Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu – Photo by Icon Sport

Qinwen Zheng vs Jasmine Paolini: WTA Wuhan – Quarterfinal

Home player Qinwen Zheng will take on Jasmine Paolini in the quarterfinal of the WTA Wuhan.

Qinwen Zheng Profile

Qinwen Zheng has the highest ranking in her career being No. 7 in the world. The Chinese is 43-15 for the season and 23-9 on hard surface.

Zheng is coming off a 5-7, 6-3, 6-0 win over Leylah Hernandez in the round of 16 after beating Jaqueline Cristian in the second.

Zheng won the Olympic gold this season and won the title in Palermo.

This is her first time to play in the main draw in Palermo.

Jasmine Paolini Profile

Jasmine Paolini is sixth in the ATP rankings, one spot lower than her career high. The Italian is 39-17 for the season and 19-9 on hard surface.

Paolini is coming off a 6-3, 6-2 win over Erika Andreeva in the round of 16 and 6-1, 6-3 win over Yuan Yue in the second round.

Paolini won the title in Dubai this season and lost in the finals at the French Open and Wimbledon.

This is her first appearance in Wuhan.

Head-to-Head Zheng leads 2-0

• Zheng vs Paolini 6-2, 6-3 (2023 WTA Zhengzhou, semifinal)
• Zheng vs Paolini 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 (2023 WTA Palermo, final)

Prediction and Conclusion

These two players have made a huge leap this season, jumping right into the top 10 in the rankings. The Italian almost won a Grand Slam after making it to back-to-back Grand Slam finals. Zheng brought the Olympic gold medal home, which made her a huge hero in China. Now, she is playing in front of the home crowd in a city much better known for something else than tennis. Both players are in great form, and this will be a tough battle that will go over 2.5 sets.