China’s Zheng continues French Open run-in city of dreams

PARIS (Reuters) - Zheng Qinwen grew up seeing Eiffel Tower pictures in her schoolbooks and the Chinese teenager is carving out a path to success in the city of dreams with her blazing run at the French Open.

Inspired by the success of compatriot Li Na, who became the first Asian player to win a major singles title with her 2011 triumph at Roland Garros, the 19-year-old Zheng has impressed with her aggressive play on her debut at the clay court Slam.

The 74th-ranked Zheng defeated higher-ranked Belgian Maryna Zanevska in her opening round and then sent out former world number one and French Open champion Simona Halep in the second.

On Saturday, she ended local hopes in the women’s draw by defeating Alize Cornet on Court Philippe Chatrier to book her spot in the fourth round, having only made her Grand Slam debut at the year’s opening major at the Australian Open.

Zheng said it was a childhood dream to play in a Grand Slam in front a big show court crowd and give her best performance.Next up for the Chinese will be world number one Iga Swiatek, who is on a 31-match winning run.

Zheng is looking forward to the challenge and a chance to test herself against the Pole, who will turn 21 on Tuesday.