Setting a gold standard
Despite her narrow defeat in Riyadh, Zheng Qinwen has set herself a high bar for next season
By firing four aces in Saturday's three-hour-and-four-minute final, Zheng finished the season as the top-ranked ace server on the WTA Tour, with a whopping total of 445, far eclipsing the 360 of second-placed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.
Already considered the most resilient fighter on the Tour, Zheng, who led all women in three-set wins (21 out of 26) this season, said she still has room to improve her mental game.
"The match today, it's just a couple of important points," said Zheng, who was so close to touching the winner's trophy when she served 5-4 for the match in the decider.
"Nothing more to say. The match was very close, and then, you know, at the end, when you play this type of match, it's not about the tennis, it's just about choices.
"When you lose a match, there are lessons you have to learn. So, I would say there are a lot of positive things here. For sure, it hurts to lose this match, but we will see. Maybe next time, I will be better."
Former US Open champion Gauff, who's now beaten Zheng in both of their encounters, is sure that they will meet in many more finals.
"I knew that it was going to be a tough match playing Qinwen. Every time we play, it's tough. She's a great competitor, a great tennis player," said the 20-year-old.
sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn
