China’s Zheng ‘so excited’ for Swiatek clash at French Open

Chinese 19-year-old Zheng Qinwen said she was eager for the chance to test herself against Iga Swiatek after setting up a last-16 meeting with the world number one and former Roland Garros champion.Zheng, who shocked 2018 French Open winner Simona Halep in the previous round, advanced Saturday when Alize Cornet retired with a thigh injury while trailing 6-0, 3-0.The 74th-ranked Zheng is making her debut in Paris, having appeared at her first Grand Slam in Australia this year. She will attempt to end Swiatek’s 31-match winning run stretching back to February. The Pole won the title in Paris as a teenager in 2020.“Of course she’s wonderful player. Actually, I have been prepared for this match, because I really want to play against her. So I’m excited for this match,” said Zheng.“It will be a tough match, for sure. I will give everything I have.”Zheng, who has trained in Spain for the past two years, was the only Chinese player to make it past the first round of the tournament.“I always know that I have the level to do something,” said the youngster who worked with Carlos Rodriguez, the former coach of Justine Henin and Li Na, at his academy in Beijing.“I know what I can do and I have to be patient and to wait for the moment to come.”Zheng, inspired by Li’s 2011 French Open triumph when she became the first Asian-born player to win a Grand Slam singles title, is trying not to look too far ahead.“My expectation in the French Open is just go match by match and to give everything I have on court.”“To be in a Grand Slam is one of my childhood dreams... and I feel just I have to give my best always on the court,” she added.“I only feel excited to play on the big stadium.”