Zheng Qinwen said it all after she ended her losing streak against Aryna Sabalenka.
At the seventh time of asking, the 22-year-old finally defeated the World number one for the first time in her career.
Following a breakout 2024 campaign the Olympic champion has endured a frustrating 2025 season so far.
But she appears to have found some form in Rome and after claiming the biggest win of her season so far, Zheng Qinwen will surely have a massive confidence boost.
Zheng Qinwen shares what she changed tactically to beat Aryna Sabalenka in Rome
Zheng had lost her previous six meetings against Aryna Sabalenka, each of which took place on a hard court.
But Thursday’s Italian Open quarter-final was their first meeting on clay, a surface on which the Chinese star has won 17 of her last 20 matches.
She broke Sabalenka’s serve three times and saved all five break points she faced on the way to securing a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
Zheng, who won an impressive 82% of first serve points, told reporters post-match how she was able to defeat Sabalenka for the first time.
“I think, first of all, I say to myself, ‘don’t give her any free points’, because I know when the rally gets longer, I have more benefit when I have four, five shots,” Zheng said.
“When I see the stats, I’m always there, like, playing more physical on clay. I got more advantage. I remember before when I faced her in the beginning, I always gave her so easy away the first two games. 3-0, 2-0, 4-0 so easy.
“Today when I stepped on the court, I say, I got to be there and hold my service game to don’t make the match go away so fast.
“Seems like the tactic is working. When I really dedicate myself to the match, I feel I start to see everything clearly where I have to play.”
What did Zheng Qinwen do for the first time this season?
Zheng’s win over Sabalenka means she has now reached the Italian Open semi-finals.
This is the first time she has reached this stage of a tournament this season, and she is pleased to have done so by beating the World’s best player.
“I feel really happy because during all this time I’m trying to beat her on court. Sometimes I’m really close, but it’s just I never make it before,” said Zheng, who will play Coco Gauff for a spot in the final.
“This is the first time we play on clay. I guess when I play on clay, I’m more comfortable because I got great experience on clay.
“Doing well tonight because more patient than her. I see today that when I make her play a lot… I’m just happy with my performance and happy to make the step forward to beat the world No. 1.”
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