Published: 09:47, February 20, 2023 | Updated: 17:20, February 20, 2023
Zheng Qinwen into second round in Dubai WTA tournament
By Xinhua

China's Zheng Qinwen hits a return to Belarus' Victoria Azarenka during their women's singles match at the WTA Adelaide International tennis tournament in Adelaide on Jan 5, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

DUBAI - Chinese rising star Zheng Qinwen swept her compatriot Zhang Shuai 6-3, 6-1 in the WTA1000 Dubai singles first round on Sunday.

The 20-year-old won 10 games in a row from 3-1 down in the first set to get her second straight win over Zhang.

"I had no regrets today. I still need some time to adjust myself after the Australian Open," said Zhang. "Zheng is very strong. She is a well-rounded player."

READ MORE: Zheng reaches second round at WTA Adelaide International

Zheng will next face Liudmila Samsonova of Russia. "I'm looking forward to the match because I really like to play against powerful players," said Zheng.