We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

The National Times - Stunned Zheng blames lack of warm-up for early Melbourne exit

Stunned Zheng blames lack of warm-up for early Melbourne exit

SPORTS 15.01.2025
Stunned Zheng blames lack of warm-up for early Melbourne exit
Stunned Zheng blames lack of warm-up for early Melbourne exit / Photo: © AFP

Last year's beaten finalist Zheng Qinwen blamed the lack of a warm-up event and a serve clock violation for her shock Australian Open exit in straight sets to German veteran Laura Siegemund on Wednesday.

Change text size:

China's Olympic champion nicknamed "Queen Wen" gave an unusually flat performance as she bowed out in round two in Melbourne.

She became flustered when she fell foul of the 25-second timer at a crucial moment in the second set before losing 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 to the world number 97.

Fifth seed Zheng was playing just her second match of 2025, saying "issues" after the season-ending WTA Tour Finals had prevented her playing in any warm-ups.

"For me there was no chance to play a tournament before the Australian Open this year because there were some issues in my body I didn't solve yet," she told reporters.

She did not elaborate on the nature of the problem.

Zheng also admitted that the shot-clock kerfuffle had "distracted" her.

At 2-2, 15-30 in the second set, Zheng received a second time violation which cost her a first serve.

She had a lengthy argument with the chair umpire, complaining that she could not see the shot clock, to no avail.

"The clock was on the side, so I couldn't see it if I bounce the ball," explained Zheng.

"So I don't know if I'm late or I'm early.

"I was so surprised to get that second (violation). Obviously that one really distracted me from the match."

Zheng completely fluffed the subsequent second serve and then double-faulted on break point to hand a crucial 3-1 advantage to Siegemund.

It led to a stunning defeat for the 22-year-old, who enjoyed a breakthrough 2024, beating then number one Iga Swiatek on her way to winning Olympic gold in Paris and claiming three WTA titles.

Zheng ended the year at a career-high world number five after claiming the Pan Pacific Open title in Tokyo.

She reached the championship match at the WTA Tour Finals in Riyadh, where she was edged only in a final-set tiebreak by Coco Gauff.

"I feel maybe today is not my day," said Zheng. "That's all I can say. It's tennis.".

S.Clarke--TNT

Featured

Kuwait's Yasmeen Waleed Wins High Jump Gold at Dakar Youth Olympics

Kuwaiti athlete Yasmeen Waleed has won the gold medal in the high jump at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Her victory established a new Kuwaiti national record of 1.80 meters, marking a significant milestone for the nation's youth sports program.

Matvei Michkov Leads Flyers in Goals but Ranks Sixth in Ice Time

Matvei Michkov leads the Philadelphia Flyers with 10 goals through 20 games, but his total ice time ranks sixth among the team's forwards. Head coach Rick Tocchet has concentrated Michkov’s additional minutes on the power play, where he has scored five of his goals, while his even-strength usage has remained relatively stable compared to last season.

Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

The Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (NCJSHOF) has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, honoring four individuals for their athletic achievements and community contributions. The organization will celebrate the new class during its 19th Annual Induction Dinner Gala on November 22 at the Olympic Golf Club in South San Francisco.

Former SNY Host Niki Lattarulo Confirms Layoffs Amid Network Cuts

Former SNY host Niki Lattarulo has confirmed she was among the editorial staff laid off last week as the sports network canceled two of its flagship programs. The cuts coincide with a broader operational review that includes removing past content from the network's website, though core Mets and Jets coverage will continue.

Change text size: