Zheng Qinwen faces her “nemesis” again, falls 1-2 to 26-year-old rival, misses last 16 with 4 losses in 5 meetings

In the early hours of April 27 (Beijing time), Zheng Qinwen faced world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in the third round of the WTA 1000 Madrid Open. Despite winning the opening set, Zheng was eventually overturned 1–2 and missed out on a place in the round of 16.

Zheng started strongly, breaking serve in the fifth game of the first set and maintaining her composure to take it 6–4.

Rybakina responded in the second set with her trademark power and consistency. After being broken early, she quickly regained control with consecutive breaks, winning 6–4 to level the match.

The deciding set proved decisive. Zheng fought back from 1–3 down to secure a break in the fifth game, but her momentum was short-lived as Rybakina broke back immediately. Zheng ultimately lost the set 3–6.

The match lasted 2 hours and 21 minutes. Zheng recorded 9 double faults and 45 unforced errors—figures that significantly impacted the outcome. This marks her second loss to Rybakina this season, and she now trails 1–4 in their head-to-head record.

Currently ranked world No. 32, Zheng will next compete in the Rome Open as she continues her clay-court campaign.