Qinwen Zheng has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in women’s tennis. As the Chinese star gears up to face the World No. 1 in the 2025 Italian Open quarterfinals, fans worldwide are eager to see if she can break new ground on clay.

A Determined Climb Through the WTA Ranks

After a steady start to the season, Qinwen Zheng gathered momentum during the spring hard-court swing. Her quarterfinal runs at Indian Wells and Miami showcased Zheng's competence on different surfaces and against top-tier players. Now, in Rome, she finds herself in the spotlight once again, aiming for her first win over Aryna Sabalenka, a task that tennis insiders agree is challenging yet within reach for the Olympic gold medalist.

Head-to-Head: Sabalenka vs. Zheng

Zheng Qinwen’s path to the quarterfinal has not been easy. Coming off strong performances, including a composed victory over Bianca Andreescu, Zheng demonstrates why she’s a consistent threat on clay. Despite a one-sided 0-6 head-to-head deficit to Sabalenka, Zheng’s resilience and improving game on the dirt cannot be overlooked. More on their rivalry and what’s at stake can be found in this detailed WTA analysis of the Rome semifinal race.

Sabalenka brings outstanding form to the court, having reached four consecutive finals and clinched titles in Miami and Madrid. Zheng, meanwhile, remains optimistic. Her own history as an aggressive baseline player who thrives on clay suggests she could push Sabalenka further than ever before. For a tactical preview and links to watch the match live, check this in-depth preview and streaming guide from The Playoffs.

Why Clay Courts Suit Qinwen Zheng

While Qinwen Zheng is renowned for her power game, it’s her clay-court stamina and mental fortitude that set her apart. In the past three years, only two players—Swiatek and Sabalenka—have reached more WTA clay-court quarterfinals than Zheng. If Zheng can minimize double faults and execute her strategy, the match could turn into a classic Rome battle. Her gold-medal run on clay at the Paris Olympics remains a key source of inspiration, as highlighted in a match preview by Tennis.com.

What’s Next for Zheng Qinwen?

Regardless of today’s outcome, Qinwen Zheng has cemented her status as a top-10 mainstay with the potential to win titles on multiple surfaces. She continues to inspire fans around the world and represents the future of tennis with her blend of athleticism and grit. One thing’s certain: as Zheng faces the sport’s elite, every new round builds her case as a champion in the making.

Stay tuned to see if Qinwen Zheng can turn the tides in Rome and make history in the WTA Tour!