Qinwen Zheng faces Barbora Krejcikova in Athens Open quarter-final

Qinwen Zheng will face Barbora Krejcikova in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Athens Open, seeking a third consecutive victory over the two-time Grand Slam champion. The match, set for the Athens Olympic Centre, pits Zheng’s raw power against Krejcikova’s versatility on the hardcourt.

What’s at stake in this quarter-final?

This clash marks the third meeting between Zheng and Krejcikova, with the Chinese player holding a 2-0 head-to-head advantage. Both athletes are rebounding from injury setbacks, making this a pivotal test of their current form. Zheng, ranked 135th, defeated Elena Micic 6-4, 6-1 in the previous round, while Krejcikova dominated Carole Monnet 6-0, 6-2.

Why Zheng holds the edge

Zheng’s aggressive baseline game has proven effective against Krejcikova in past encounters. Her powerful groundstrokes and deep returns could force errors from the Czech, who relies on tactical variety. Krejcikova’s experience as a former French Open and Wimbledon champion may help, but Zheng’s confidence from recent wins could be decisive.

What to expect on the hardcourt

The Athens Open’s outdoor hard surface favors Zheng’s explosive style, though Krejcikova’s adaptability keeps her dangerous. Expect long rallies and high-intensity exchanges, with Zheng likely to push for early breaks. If she maintains her serve and capitalizes on Krejcikova’s second serves, Zheng could advance to the semifinals.

How to watch the match

Fans in the UK can tune in to Sky Sports Tennis, while US viewers can catch the action on the Tennis Channel. Online streaming is available via Sky Go (UK) and Tennis Channel (USA). Tickets for the Athens Olympic Tennis Centre are still available for those attending in person.