Article by Sebastian Vasile – published Wednesday, June 04, 2025, 13:36 / Updated Wednesday, 04 June 2025 13:36
Chinese Qinwen Zheng (22 years old and 7 WTA) was defeated by Belarus Aryna Sabalenka (27 years, 1 WTA place), score 6-7, 3-6. At the end of the match, he accused the Triple Grand Slam winner of using an illegal “weapon” in the duel with the opponents in the circuit.
Zheng believes that Sabalenka prolongs the screams he has when he hit the ball.
“I will say what I have on my soul: how can you whisper so long so you don't stop until the opponent hit? Chinese, after the match, quoted by Eurosport.
Qinwen Zheng was defeated by Belarus Aryna Sabalenka, photo: Guliver/Gettyimages
Aryna Sabalenka, also upset: “We deserve a better program”
Aryna Sabalenka will face the semifinals on Iga Swiak, a player who has prevailed in the last 3 editions by Roland Garros, with 4 titles in total on the Paris slag. And she was dissatisfied, at the end of the match with the Chinese, but for other reasons.
Sabalenka was asked about the custom of the organizers of Roland Garros to schedule the matches in the female competition in the first part of the day and those in the male competition in the evening session.
“I totally agree, I have to say that yes, we deserve the same treatment with all. We had many extraordinary battles between us, so it would be great to see an female match in the evening session, with more people in the stands following these incredible confrontations. Just to make ourselves more visible in front of a wider audience. I totally agree: we deserve a bigger scene, a better program and more people to follow us”, The world number 1, quoted by Eurosport, replied.
The decision of the organizers led to a very small presence in the stands of the Philippe-Catrier arena and Sabalenk's match, and Swiak.
“Honestly, I was not very attentive to the public, but it seemed to be enough spectators. I agree, it was an important match, it would probably have more sense to be scheduled later, so that more people could come to see it. On the other hand, I am glad that I have half a day, I would like it.
