Zheng Qinwen gave a death stare to someone in the Indian Wells crowd after a disrupting spectator yelled just as she was preparing to serve.
Following a first-round bye, the No. 8 seed won the opening set of her first match against Victoria Azarenka with a 6-3 scoreline. Then, the Chinese also registered an early second-set break.
With Zheng leading 2-1 and the fourth game being at deuce, the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist was in service motion but then she had to abruptly stop because someone yelled in an apparent attempt to disrupt her. The 22-year-old looked in the disruptor's direction and gave them "an evil stare" as the commentator described. Chair umpire Marija Cicak had a similar reaction as well.
Zheng lost that game but ended up winning the match
After the incident, the Chinese got broken back in that fourth game. While she blew another break shortly after, the No. 8 seed still managed to get the job done in two sets after breaking Azarenka again in the ninth game and serving out for the match in the following game.
Previously, Zheng fell short to Azarenka in their first two meetings.
Its not easy. I came to Indian Wells three times but its my first time in the third round. Also, my first time beating Azarenka. Such a great player. Im really happy tonight," the 22-year-old said.
Its really tough to face her. She beat me twice when I was 19 and 21 years old. Just really happy to get this match. Thanks for all the crowd who came to support tonight.
Zheng plays Lulu Sun in the Indian Wells third round.
