Zheng Qinwen is picking up some rhythm and momentum in Indian Wells after ousting Marta Kostyuk 6-3 6-2 to reach the quarterfinal and book a third consecutive win for the first time this season.
ADVERTISEMENT
After several rain delays pushed back the start of their match, the eighth-seeded Chinese dropped her serve two times during the first set but it wasn't a big issue since she was also able to break the Ukrainian three times.
In the second set, the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist continued to pressure Kostyuk's serve - she collected two breaks - all while not losing her serve once to complete a two-set win.
Next up for Zheng will be a tough matchup versus defending champion Iga Swiatek. When they met the last time at the Paris Olympics, the Chinese upset the Pole and that was also her first win over the world No. 2 in their seven meetings.
Just like Zheng, Mirra Andreeva also got the job done on Tuesday night
Andreeva also booked a quarterfinal meeting after crushing Elena Rybakina 6-1 6-2. From start to finish, the 17-year-old dominated as she collected six breaks en route to sealing a very dominant win.
ADVERTISEMENT
For a place in the Indian Wells semifinal, the ninth-seeded Russian will battle against Elina Svitolina for the first time in her career.
"I have never played her, and I saw her, of course, playing a lot of matches on the Grand Slams, on the WTA tournaments when I was not on the tour yet. So I know that she's a fighter, she runs for every ball. Now she's also playing a little bit more aggressive," the 17-year-old said of facing the Ukrainian.
"But all the small details is Conchita's job (her coach Conchita Martinez) to prepare me. I hope that she's going to do well, so yeah, that's the only thing I know. After, I'm going to ask Conchita if she knows something."
