INTERNAZIONALI BNL D'ITALIA

May 14, 2025

Zheng Qiwen

Mixed Zone

ZHENG Q./A. Sabalenka

6-4, 6-3

Q. It's the first time you beat Aryna. What are your feelings?

ZHENG QINWEN: Of course, I feel really happy because during all this time I'm trying to beat her on court. Sometimes I'm really close, but it's just I never make it before.

This is the first time we play on clay. I guess when I play on clay, I'm more comfortable because I got great experience on clay.

Doing well tonight because more patient than her. I see today that when I make her play a lot... I'm just happy with my performance and happy to make the step forward to beat the world No. 1.

Q. What was the key for your victory today?

ZHENG QINWEN: I think, first of all, I say to myself, Don't give her any free point, because I know when the rally gets longer, I have more benefit when I have four, five shots. When I see the stats, I'm always there, like, playing more physical on clay. I got more advantage.

I remember before when I face her the beginning, I always give her so easy away the first two games. 3-0, 2-0, 4-0 so easy. Today when I step on court, I say, I got be there and hold my service game to don't make the match go away so fast.

Seems like the tactic is working. When I really dedicate in the match, I feel I start to see everything clear where I have to play.

Q. How much does a win like this give you confidence? I know there is Roland Garros in two weeks. How much did this night give you confidence in your game, in yourself?

ZHENG QINWEN: Well, actually I am always a confidence player. Doesn't matter even sometimes I made a bad result. I know if I'm really focus, if I'm really there, if I really wants to get it, I will make it.

It's just before I see her play when I was 14, 15 years old. I think the few times when I face her at the beginning, I give too much respect. I didn't face her like a normal player.

I remember I was going to see her in 2017 in China Open. I was there as a junior. I see her in the finals. My father was there say, Oh, Sabalenka, you need to learn about his forehand, his backhand.

I think this kind of respect takes a while for me to treat her like a normal player. So today I'm just happy that I stay really calm and I face her like a normal player and I did what I have to do. I'm just really happy to get the win.

Q. I want to ask about clay. It feels like you hit the ball very good. In Madrid looked better for you. You have your best results in Rome. Do you feel that the clay in Rome is suitable like in Olympic Games or just your feelings?

ZHENG QINWEN: Well, in Madrid when I play this year, I think generally my personality was going a bit too rush everywhere so I couldn't stay really calm there on court when I face down situation.

After the last Madrid, I think a lot that I should be more stable on clay, I should be more calm outside the court, I should practice with myself better not only on court, also outside of the court. I think that's give me a lot of benefits to stay under control under pressure the same as before.

If I'm too much up and down in the practice, I feel like I'm not going to make it in important moment. But today I really make it because she's really close to come back in the second set.

I'm really happy that I hold the pressure and I get the match today. It was really not easy, no.