Qinwen Zheng powers into WTA Finals last four as Aryna Sabalenka stunned
Sabalenka was beaten by Elena Rybakina in a dead rubber, with the World No 1 already through to the semi-finals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Qinwen Zheng blasted her way into the semi-finals of the WTA Finals in Riyadh with victory over Jasmine Paolini.
It was a straight fight for second place in the purple group behind Aryna Sabalenka, with both Zheng and Paolini having lost to the world number one and beaten Elena Rybakina.
But the one-sided contest lasted only 67 minutes, with Chinese debutant Zheng racing to a 6-1 6-1 win.
Paolini, runner-up at both French Open and Wimbledon this summer, was unable to cope with the power of her opponent, who hit 27 winners, including 11 aces.
Zheng will now take on the winner of the orange group in the semi-finals on Friday.
Later Rybakina rounded off her campaign with a 6-4 3-6 6-1 over Sabalenka in a match rendered a dead rubber due to both players already knowing their respective fates.
Playing in her first tournament since withdrawing from the US Open with a back injury, Rybakina produced a solid performance and dominated the final set in which she did not face a break point.
Sabalenka will face the number two qualifier from the orange group in Friday’s last four.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments