Zheng Qinwen tackled more than No. 1 Yoga Swiatek on Monday in her defeat in the fourth round of the French Open.
The Chinese teenager was aiming for the biggest victory of her young career, but said there were “just girly things” that affected her performance.
“The first day is always so hard, and then I have to play sports and I always have so much pain on the first day,” Zhen told reporters after falling 6-7, 6-0, 6-2.
“I could not resist my nature. I wish I could be a man so I don’t suffer from it. It is hard.”
It was still a feat for Zhen, 19, to make Swiatek’s 82-minute first start. The 21-year-old Polish star is highly preferred to win the tournament and has not missed a set since April 23.
Zheng Qinwen played a forehand return against Polish Iga Swiatek during their French Open match on May 30, 2022. AFP through Getty Images Zheng Qinwen receives help from coachEPA
Zheng took a medical time-out at the beginning of the second set due to a leg injury that forced him to be severely wrapped.
“The shortcut made it difficult,” Zhen said. “But it was easy compared to the stomach. I can’t play my tennis because my stomach was too sore. I really do my best on the court, it’s just hard. “
Zhen’s path to the fourth round included frustration with former French Open champion Simona Halep and winning the first nine games against Aliz Cornet before the French veteran withdrew.
Iga Svyatek is in the quarterfinals of the French Open.REUTERS
Swiatek, who won the 2020 French Open, now face American Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
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