WTA Finals: Zheng edges Krejcikova to reach Riyadh showpiece

Zheng Qinwen was the first to book her place in the WTA Finals showpiece after downing Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets in Riyadh on Friday.

Zheng, who has dropped just one set throughout the entire tournament, needed an hour and 40 minutes to emerge a 6-3 7-5 victor against the Wimbledon champion.

The Olympic gold medallist wasted no time in stamping her authority on the contest, serving a love game straight away before breaking Krejcikova's serve soon after.

Zheng then missed two set points in the eighth game to take the early advantage, but remained composed, closing out the opener with another love game.

The world number seven threatened to run away with the contest after powering into a 3-0 lead in the second set, but Krejcikova responded emphatically.

She would go on to win the next four games, but made a fatal error when serving at 5-5, sending a forehand long which handed Zheng the opportunity to serve for the match.

After saving a break point, Zheng converted her second match point to book her place in the final, setting up a meeting with either Coco Gauff or Aryna Sabalenka.

QUEEN-wen The fairytale debut run continues for Zheng Qinwen. She secures her spot in the final and will either face Gauff or Sabalenka for the title. #WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/5UH7WeKJOS

— wta (@WTA) November 8, 2024

Data Debrief: Age is just a number

With a win-loss record of 52-17 this year, Zheng became the first Chinese player in the Open Era to notch 50 WTA-level victories in a calendar year.

At 22 years and 31 days, she is also now the youngest player to reach the final in their maiden appearance at the WTA Finals since Petra Kvitova (2011).

Since the event's inauguration in 1972, she is only the second Asian player to reach the final at the WTA Finals after Li Na (2013).