WTA Miami Open: Zheng Qinwen's First-Round Opponent Determined, Swiatek Reveals "Complete Breakdown"

On March 19 local time, the WTA 1000 Miami Open began with women's singles first round and select second-round matches. Zheng Qinwen's opponent for her Miami debut is set. Former champion Stephens beat fellow American Brady 6-4/6-2, achieving her first main draw win on tour since Wimbledon 2024 and her 99th career victory at 1000-level events. She will now play against Zheng Qinwen. Although Stephens has played sparingly over the past two seasons due to physical issues and her form has been somewhat subdued, this former US Open champion remains a formidable opponent, requiring Zheng to approach the match cautiously.

Swiatek Falls in Opening Match (Image: Visual China)

The biggest upset of the day belonged to world No. 2 and former champion Swiatek, who suffered a surprising loss. After leading by one set, she was overturned by compatriot Linette, ending her run in the second round with a score of 6-1/5-7/3-6. This ended her streak of 73 consecutive tournament victories in opening matches (including the United Cup and the Year-End Championships). Her last first-match defeat at a 1000-level event dates back to Cincinnati 2021. Linette earned her eighth career win over a Top 10 player. Notably, last year she also defeated a Top 10 opponent in Miami, eliminating Gauff in the fourth round.

In her post-match interview, Swiatek candidly discussed her recent significant decline in form: "My level in the second and third sets was really poor. It's hard to accept such a drop after playing so well in the first set. I don't know if it was intentional or not, but I struggled to adjust, and then my technique completely collapsed. I haven't felt this way for... probably over five years. The drop in match performance was so severe. I just need to work on regaining confidence. I'm a bit lost, but I'll try to train and recover my form. I know I have the ability, I'm just temporarily off track."

The highly anticipated third-round showdown between Swiatek and Iaela did not materialize. Seeded No. 31, Iaela appeared on the center court and, after a grueling battle of 3 hours and 20 minutes, reversed the match against German player Siegemund with a score of 6-7(6)/6-3/6-3, advancing to the women's singles round of 32.

Wildcard entry and three-time tournament champion Venus Williams suffered another first-round exit. After a fierce two-set contest with British "inspirational girl" F. Jones, she lost 5-7/5-7. Jones secured her first main draw victory at a 1000-level event and will next challenge No. 5 seed Pegula.

According to the schedule for tomorrow, Zheng Qinwen will face Stephens on Court 2 in the fourth match, scheduled for approximately 3:30 AM Beijing time. The second-round match between Wang Xinyu and McNally will take place on Court 4 in the fourth match (approximately 2:30 AM Beijing time). Wu Yibing's first-round match against Diallo will be held on Court 5 in the second match (approximately 11:30 PM Beijing time tonight). Additionally, Alcaraz will engage in a focal match against Fonseca, while Sabalenka, Gauff, Rybakina, and others will also appear on the center court.

Tomorrow's Schedule

(Article/Editor: Wang Fei)