In an exciting semifinal clash at the 2024 Wuhan Open, fifth-seeded Zheng Qinwen defeated third-seed Italian player Bolelli with a score of 2-1 (6:2, 3:6, 6:3), marking her second consecutive time reaching the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event. This sets up an all-Chinese semifinal showdown against Wang Xinyu.

Just last week, Zheng made her way to the semifinals of the China Open, achieving her best result in a WTA 1000 event. Returning to her home province of Hubei this week, she continued her impressive form, advancing to the quarterfinals without dropping a set.

In her quarterfinal match against Bolelli, Zheng had previously won both encounters last year, and she carried that winning momentum into today’s match. Despite Bolelli being the higher seed, Zheng’s powerful serve and aggressive forehand put her opponent on the defensive from the start. Zheng took the first set decisively with a score of 6:2.

As the second set began, Bolelli raised her game, significantly improving her backhand, which put pressure on Zheng. After losing two service games in a row, Zheng began to find her rhythm but ultimately dropped the second set 3:6.

The decisive third set saw both players engaged in a tense battle filled with lengthy rallies. Zheng capitalized on a crucial break opportunity, ultimately securing the match in a hard-fought victory.

In an earlier quarterfinal, Wang Xinyu, another Chinese player, saved two match points and rallied to defeat Alexandrova with scores of 4:6, 7:5, 7:6(6), marking her first-ever appearance in the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event. Wang expressed her joy over making this career breakthrough on home soil. “It feels special for me. I really enjoy playing in front of a home crowd. Today was a tough match, and I’m thrilled to move to the next round,” she said.

The upcoming semifinal between Zheng Qinwen and Wang Xinyu promises to be an exciting matchup. Meanwhile, in the other half of the draw, two-time tournament champion and top seed Aryna Sabalenka cruised past Fletcher 2-0, continuing her impressive winning streak in Wuhan. She is set to face fourth seed and recent China Open champion Coco Gauff for a spot in the finals.