Qinwen Zheng Wins First Match in Athens Open Revival

Qinwen Zheng kicked off her comeback at the Athens Open with a gritty 7-5, 6-1 victory over Spanish sixth seed Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Monday. The former world No. 4, now ranked 135th, is fighting to regain her form after early exits at Wimbledon and Roland Garros.

What happened in Athens?

Zheng, playing on her preferred hard court, overcame a slow start to dominate the second set. The match lasted just under two hours, marking her 10th win of the season. Athens holds special significance for Chinese tennis-it was the site of China’s first Olympic tennis gold in 2004, won by Li Ting and Sun Tiantian.

Zheng, who won gold herself at the 2024 Paris Olympics, called the venue “incredible.” She said, “I am happy to play here in such a historic city.” The win was crucial for her ranking, as she needs to climb to around No. 104 to secure a US Open main draw spot.

Why this win matters for Zheng

After elbow surgery sidelined her for six months last year, Zheng missed the 2025 US Open and key tournaments. Now, with few ranking points to defend, she has a chance to rebuild. A strong run in Athens could propel her back into the top 100.

The hard-court stretch is her best opportunity. “I am really happy with my performance today,” Zheng said. “I think I played well against a tough opponent.”

What’s next for Qinwen Zheng?

Zheng must win the Athens Open to secure enough ranking points for the US Open. The tournament, a WTA 250 event, offers 250 points to the champion. If she advances, she could face higher-ranked players, testing her resilience.

With the US Open qualifying deadline on July 20, Zheng’s focus is clear: “I need to stay healthy and keep winning.”