Zheng Qinwen loses 1-2 to Eala! Pre-match boast: "My peak hasn't come yet," these 4 facts must be acknowledged

On July 29, Beijing time, the first round of women's singles at the WTA500 Washington Open concluded with a high-profile clash between Chinese star Zheng Qinwen and Filipino player Alex Eala. Zheng started strong but faded, losing 1-2 to Eala after winning the first set, suffering a reversal and failing to advance. In this match, Zheng lost seven consecutive games at one point, which was shocking!

Zheng Qinwen's world ranking has plummeted to No. 123 due to frequent losses recently. Had she not received a wild card, she wouldn't have been able to participate in this tournament. In the first round, she faced the rising Filipino player Alex Eala, who is currently ranked 28th and recently upset Swiatek at Wimbledon. Therefore, this match was a huge pressure for Zheng; it was uncertain whether she could win. The two had only faced each other once before, with Zheng winning that match. This time, it was a chance for Eala to seek revenge or for Zheng to continue her dominance, making it a highly anticipated encounter. This was also their second career meeting!

After the match started, Eala aggressively took the initiative, breaking and holding to take a 2-0 lead. Zheng Qinwen responded strongly, breaking back and holding to level the score at 2-2. The two then traded holds, making it 3-3. In the crucial seventh game, Zheng broke Eala again and then followed up with another break in the eighth game, winning two consecutive games to take a 5-3 lead and secure set points. In the ninth game, Eala fought hard to hold serve and saved a set point. However, Zheng efficiently closed out the set with a hold, winning 6-4 to take a 1-0 lead overall. In the second set, the first six games were fiercely contested, with the score tied at 3-3. In the critical seventh game, Zheng held serve strongly to take a 4-3 lead. But then the situation suddenly turned; Zheng's form dropped dramatically, committing various errors and losing three consecutive games to fall 4-6, leveling the match at 1-1. In the deciding set, Zheng came out with low morale and was dominated, losing four straight games to fall into a 0-4 hole. Soon after, Eala breezed through, winning 6-1 to complete a 2-1 comeback victory over Zheng and advance to the round of 16!

It must be said that Zheng Qinwen is truly disappointing. She boasted before the match that her peak hasn't arrived yet, only to be defeated 2-1 by Eala. These four facts have to be acknowledged: First, Zheng's level has indeed dropped too quickly, with first-round exits becoming the norm. Second, Zheng refuses to admit her decline in form, coming across as too arrogant and annoying. Third, Zheng finds it very difficult to return to her peak due to the significant impact of injuries. Fourth, injuries combined with a one-dimensional playing style are the reasons for her losses, and she no longer has the tenacity she once had!

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Written by Sports Novel