Zheng Qinwen celebrated a little milestone on Monday after clinching her first WTA Finals victory but also felt she needed to apologize to the crowd in Riyadh.
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After losing to Aryna Sabalenka in her opening match at the season-ending tournament, the Chinese was in a must-win situation against Elena Rybakina. And although she blew a second-set lead and failed t get the job done in two sets, she recovered to still win in three 7-6 (4) 3-6 6-1.
At one point midway through the second set, Zheng lost her service game - stopped - and yelled at someone to "don't shout" - that was probably directed to one of her Chinese fans, who were passionately supporting her throughout the entire match.
"I say I apologize, in one moment my emotions weren't there because I wasn't totally under control. I'm so sorry that I shouted. I want to say thank you (fans) for continuing to support me. Im really happy to win this match. I never beat her before. Shes one of the greatest players on the tour right now. She has a huge serve and great groundstrokes. Im just happy today I gave my best," Zheng said in her on-court interview.
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The crowd responded by cheering on the 22-year-old, which led to the on-court interviewer stating that she was definitely forgiven.
Zheng enjoyed a big support from Chinese fans
Throughout the Rybakina contest, the world No. 7 had the crowd behind her side and there were even eight Chinese flags in the stands. Since the WTA Finals are taking place in Saudi Arabia, that left even the Chinese a bit surprised.
Fans yelling my nickname, like I am in China. Few fans quite crazy, always screaming so hard my name," she said after the Sabalenka match.
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Now, Zheng is set to meet Jasmine Paolini in her group-stage finale on Wednesday, with the winner of that match joining Sabalenka as a semifinal participant from Purple Group.
