BEIJING, China - China’s Zheng Saisai celebrated her country’s National Day in commanding style, dropping just four games against former US Open winner Sloane Stephens to surge into the third round.

“This is the best National Day ever, with a victory, my first time into the third round of the China Open,” Zheng said in her post-match press conference. “I felt like I had nothing to lose today. I did not want to regret my performance on such a special day. 

“My mom was here in the stands. It was a gift to my motherland as well as my mom.”

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It’s the latest highlight in the best season of Zheng’s career, which has already seen her lift two trophies - including one at the Premier-level San Jose, the biggest title of her career - and reach a new career high ranking of No.37. 

But she was almost knocked out of Beijing in the first round as an inspired Monica Puig served for the match, but Zheng willed herself to turn around the score, winning 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5) to book her clash with Stephens.  

Zheng fired four aces and broke Stephens five times from six chances to claim the victory, 6-3, 6-1. The win over No.12 Stephens is Zheng’s second Top 20 win of the year, after taking down Aryna Sabalenka in the San Jose final. 

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“I served pretty good today for the first serve, the angles,” Zheng said. “I was serving okay today. Gave her little bit pressure. Not like last match, I didn't actually serve well. I always start second serve, so she start to move me first. This is different compared to last match.”

For Zheng, the victory also carried with it a big of revenge as well: at this stage of the China Open last year, it was Stephens who defeated Zheng with a similar scoreline, 6-1, 6-3 in the second round.


“Well, I'm playing better. I learned a lesson from last year, from previous matches, mentally speaking. 

“It's the National Day. I'm sure you have all watched the military parade this morning. When I was practicing this afternoon, I felt a lot of pressure. I really didn't want to lose on this special day. 

“The first game of the match, I felt the balls were really flying very fast. Then I slowly got into my game and was able to execute my plan for today. I hope to continue like this.”

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She has a chance to make it a hattrick of Top 20 wins as she’s set to take on top seed and reigning Roland Garros champion Ashleigh Barty in the third round. It’ll be their second meeting of the year after Barty knocked her out of Wimbledon in the first round, 6-4, 6-2.

“For sure is going to be a tough match,” Zheng said. “She's No.1 now. I really like her game. Big serve, all-court player. She can slice, volley, serve and volley. 

“It's going to be tough. I will talk to my coach to get some strategy and plan. Hopefully I can play well and compete with her.”