The decline is staggering. Just twelve months ago, Zheng Qinwen sat at world No.4 and was one of the most feared players on the WTA Tour. On Monday at Queen's Club in London, the Chinese star fell in the first round to world No.38 Jaqueline Cristian, losing 6-4, 7-6(4). It was yet another early exit in what has become a deeply troubling season.
This marks the third opening-round defeat in seven tournaments this year for the Paris 2024 Olympic champion. Two weeks ago, she was also eliminated in the first round at Roland-Garros by qualifier Maja Chwalińska. Her ranking has plummeted from No.4 to No.159 in the span of a year.
On the London grass, the warning signs were clear. Zheng managed a first-serve percentage barely above 48%, her return game lacked bite, and she appeared mentally fragile throughout. Cristian capitalised on every hesitation, increasing pressure on the second serve and extending rallies to neutralise Zheng's natural power.
The second set offered a glimmer of hope as Zheng fought back to lead 5-4 with a chance to force a decider. But in the tiebreak, Cristian displayed remarkable composure, limiting her unforced errors and converting her chances with clinical precision.
In China, fans are growing increasingly concerned. Some have called for psychological support, with one Weibo commenter writing: "If tennis only brings her stress, perhaps she should step away."
Despite this bleak picture, there is a silver lining. Zheng has very few ranking points to defend in the coming weeks after an injury-disrupted 2025 season. Nottingham and Eastbourne before Wimbledon could provide a platform for rebuilding, but only if confidence returns.
