Zheng Qinwen recovered from a “stupid mistake” to kickstart her Australian Open bid with straight wins on a rain-filled first day in Melbourne.
China’s fifth seed Zheng, who lost to Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s final, defeated Romanian qualifier Anca Todoni 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 on the roof of Rod Laver Arena. won with
The Olympic gold medalist took the opening set 5-4, 40-0 but failed to win any of her three set points.
Todoni, 20, has never beaten a top 50 opponent and had a chance to go halfway to a shock win after creating three set points at 6-5 on Zheng’s serve.
But she failed to convert and the 22-year-old Zheng held on before shifting up a gear in the tiebreak.
The second set was more straightforward, with Zheng, supported as usual by a large crowd of Chinese fans, coming away with the win after breaking early.
“The first set is not always easy, especially because I made some stupid mistakes. I don’t know what happened there,” she said.
“But I’m glad I was able to get through it.”
Regarding the rising expectations after winning the Olympics, she said, “Of course the pressure starts to increase, but [the fans] It’s pushing me to be a better person and a better athlete.
“I love playing with pressure. As Billie Jean King said, pressure is a privilege. I love this sentence.
“Let’s continue to play with pressure.”
Zheng was able to complete the match indoors, but heavy thunderstorms forced play on the outdoor courts to be suspended until 17:00 local time (06:00 GMT).
