Qinwen Zheng versus Jaqueline Cristian Wuhan Open preview

Qinwen Zheng's first match since losing the most important parts of the China Open semifinal matchup against Karolina Muchova is against Jaqueline Cristian at the Wuhan Open.

The home favorite undoubtedly hopes for a strong response to the disappointment of her defeat to Muchova.

However, the Olympic gold medalist may not have everything her own way against Cristian. The Romanian is a dangerous opponent, and some of her results against other top players on the WTA Tour prove that.

Qinwen Zheng and Jaqueline Cristian head-to-head and recent form

Cristian will take encouragement from her winning head-to-head record over Zheng, beating her twice on clay in 2019 and 2021. The Chinese player won on their last meeting at the Palermo Open a few months ago. That was also played on clay, with Zheng eventually going on to win the title.

Although Zheng was disappointed that she did not make the final last week in Beijing, she has still had an outstanding few months. Since Wimbledon ended, she won an Olympic gold medal and the Palermo Open title, reached a US Open quarterfinal, and got to the China Open semifinal. Her only early defeat during that time was at the Cincinnati Open.

Cristian's level has been quite inconsistent this year. Yet, she has proven her ability to rise to the occasion against some of the best players in the women's game. She defeated Barbora Krejcikova twice, including last week at the China Open, Madison Keys, and Emma Navarro in 2024. Three of those wins were on clay, with the only exception being the victory last week against Krejcikova.

Can Cristian impose her attacking game on someone as good as Zheng?

Although Cristian's overall game is solid, her biggest weapon by far is her forehand. The Romanian hits it with heavy topspin, creating power and angles in equal measure when it is firing. Dominating with that shot is usually the basis of her success during matches.

Zheng also hits her forehand with a lot of topspin and defends pretty well off both wings. Cristian has had her best results on clay, showing she is comfortable playing against high bounce. However, Zheng's control with her forehand and much superior backhand will make controlling the rallies challenging for Cristian.

The pair's last meeting was ominous for Cristian

As mentioned previously, Cristian has beaten three high-profile players on clay this year. Yet, she was hammered 1-6, 1-6 by Zheng in Palermo. That recent meeting is a better indication of where this matchup is than the two victories the Romanian managed when Zheng was a teenager.

Zheng can match Cristian's forehand power, has a better backhand, and a vastly superior serve. This year's Australian Open runner-up will undoubtedly win if she plays her best tennis, but Cristian can capitalize on any drop in level. Regardless, it should be a fun match to watch.

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