Zheng Qinwen revealed that she took some medication to help her relieve the fever symptoms she was feeling going into the Wuhan match and also hinted that she may skip this week's WTA 500 tournament in Ningbo to give herself some rest.
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On Sunday, the Chinese tennis star had another special day this season. Unfortunately for her and all the local fans, she didn't manage to upset Aryna Sabalenka and win the WTA 1000 tournament taking place in her hometown.
Playing in front of 15,000 spectators, the No. 5 seed and home favorite fought hard against the top seed but ultimately it was the top-seeded Belarusian who escaped with a 6-3 5-7 6-3 win.
"I took some pills to reduce my fever before this match. I was feeling worse yesterday. Now I'm feeling better compared to yesterday. Within two weeks I have had a fever two times. It's really uncommon. That was also the case in Cincinnati. I had a fever. I hope that I can be healthy, I can be competing in a normal condition. This is something very challenging for me," the 22-year-old said.
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Considering that Sabalenka was coming off triumphs in Cincinnati and the US Open and that she entered the Wuhan final with a 16-0 lifetime record at the tournament, it was clear that an extremely difficult task was ahead of Zheng. And physically not being at her best only made it even tougher.
Before coming to Wuhan, the seventh-ranked Chinese had a semifinal showing in Beijing. And after playing 10 matches over the last two weeks and also battling fever, she likely won't play in Ningbo this week, where she is the second seed.
"I have to talk to my team. Up till now, I am not physically 100%. Within two weeks I have had a fever two times, so I'm feeling a little bit weak in my health. I will need to be really cautious talking to my team. Competing in Ningbo is important, but my health is also important. I need to find the balance between the two," the Paris Olympics gold medalist said.
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Sabalenka continues to be a nightmare matchup for Zheng
The Wuhan final definitely brought some positive points to the Chinese and showed her that she could compete against the three-time Grand Slam champion. But the outcome was again the same and the Belarusian now has a 4-0 head-to-head against the same player she beat in this year's final at Melbourne Park.
While she didn't win, Zheng at least managed to get her first break against Sabalenka and also win a set for the first time in one of their meetings.
"I can say that I see things more clearly compared to Australia. Obviously I performed better. In general I feel that my level is getting better compared to Australia. Still there are a lot of things I have to improve. I see some details today I wasn't doing good. When I arrived in the third set, my first-serve percentage wasn't there. I know I struggle a lot in there. She makes me see the things I have to improve, which makes me really excited. I then can go back and work harder and fight back for next time," the 22-year-old explained.
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Zheng urges Chinese reporters not to put too unnecessary pressure and expectations on her
Had the world No. 7 become a WTA 1000 champion in her hometown, it would have been quite a story. But it didn't happen and she now needs some time for herself to analyze and reflect on her run.
"After this loss, I need some time to slow down, to ease my mind, to think about it. If I really want to do something, I'll wait for another 24 hours after a full night's sleep to think about what I really want to do. There is competition for the Finals. I might need to really put my mind in recovery of my body," Zheng said.
Following back-to-back deep runs at the WTA 1000 tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan, the Chinese secured her maiden appearance at the WTA Finals. And heading into the prestigious season-ending tournament in Riyadh, she urged the Chinese reporters but also fans to keep their expectations realistic.
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"It's hard to say when the surprises will come because tennis is very unpredictable. I think the fans should relax. Do not put your hopes too high. We shall see each match from a normal perspective. That would actually be better for me. It's hard to say what my performance will be at the Finals, but I will put in 100%," the Chinese noted.
If Zheng indeed skips Ningbo and decides to rest the next two weeks, she wouldn't play again until November 2nd, when the WTA Finals starts.
