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World No. 7 Zheng Qinwen said she was "distracted" by Leylah Fernandez's dad and coach Jorge but also claimed that she never said or did anything disrespectful during the match or their argument that could provoke the other side.
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In the Wuhanround-of-16, the Chinese tennis star found herself in a tricky position after the 2021 US Open finalist won the first set of their match 7-5.
At the start of the second set, the two players were tied to one game apiece when the No. 5 seed stopped play to address the Canadian's father.
At one point event, Fernandez asked Zheng what was the issue and then also the chair umpire got involved.
From that moment on, the rhythm and momentum of the match completely changed as the home favorite went on to win 11 of the next 13 games and seal a 5-7 6-3 6-0 win over the world No. 28.
Asked to explain what happened during a second-set incident, the 22-year-old provided a lengthy explanation.
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"Actually, I was distracted in the first set by what the dad was saying because Leylah was on the other side. He was always talking, C'mon, c'mon, before I start to return. That's why I think I lost the game when I was 30-Love, because I was a little bit distracted. After that, he continued doing it. Plus the pain I had in the stomach, the fight against the opponent. One moment I cannot hold more. I said to him, You must talk before I start to return?" Zheng shared.
"But, I mean, after that actually I start to feel better because of what I have in my heart. I didn't say anything disrespectful. I just say what I feel without a bad word. I mean, yeah, it's tough to keep the concentration because first set you see. That's why I'm happy today. With all the physical conditions and with the small things on court, I'm still able to play better at the end. I'm just happy to win this match."
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Zheng won her following match as well and now plays a fellow compatriot
After overcoming Fernandez, the 2024 Australian Open runner-up met this year's French Open and Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini. Early in the match, the Chinese was all over the Italian as she was up by a set and a break. While Paolini managed to come back and force a decider, the home favorite managed to keep her focus and ultimately seal a 6-2 3-6 6-3 win.
Today, Zheng will face world No. 51 Wang Xinyu for a place in the Wuhan final. While there is no doubt who is the favorite going into the match, it should be noted that Wang stunned Jessica Pegula en route to reaching the last-four stage.
But anyway, it will be a special moment for China's tennis because it be the first-ever WTA 1000 semifinal between two Chinese players.
"Which means we have a great player in China. I mean, our base level was more higher than before, so that's a good thing. I mean, it is never easy to play against an opponent from your country, you know? There is a different pressure. I know that. I think we grow basically in the same tournament. Play the same tournament in juniors. It's going to be difficult for me because the player who arrive in semifinals is never easy to beat. I'm just going to give my best and treat her like a normal opponent, and we will see what's going to happen tomorrow," Zheng explained when asked about the milestone for Chinese tennis.
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Zheng not thinking about Aryna Sabalenka or too far ahead
In the remaining semifinal, No. 1 seed Sabalenka will battle against fourth-seeded Coco Gauff. If the Belarusian and the Chinese both win their respective Wuhan semifinal matches, it will be their third meeting of the year.
Previously, Zheng suffered straight-set defeats to Sabalenka in the Australian Open final and the US Open quarterfinal. Also, she got bounced in two sets in their first matchup at the 2023 US Open.
When asked by local reporters if she had any thoughts about possibly meeting the player who has been an absolute nightmare for her, the No. 5 seed insisted her focus was on Wang.
"I did not think that far ahead. I just focus on the next match. My next opponent, I will not think too much about the semifinals or the final. I just think about what I should do tomorrow. Let's talk about this if I make it into the final. I have to do well in the semifinal. Of course, it will be a very tough battle," Zheng noted.
