Victory in two sets

Zheng strolls into the semi-finals of the WTA Finals

Zheng Qinwen is in the semi-finals of the WTA Finals.(Bild: AFP/APA/Fayez NURELDINE)

China's Zheng Qinwen has become the third player after Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff to reach the semi-finals at the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia. Zheng defeated the Italian Jasmine Paolini 6:1, 6:1 in the decisive group match on Wednesday. 

The last semi-final place will be decided between Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova in a long-distance duel on Friday - with an advantage for Swiatek, who will only need a win against Jessica Pegula, who has already been eliminated.

Zheng is only the second Chinese player after Li Na to reach the semi-finals of the year-end tournament for the best eight players. She will most likely face the American Gauff there.