In a dramatic first-round match at the 2026 WTA 1000 Rome, China’s Zheng Qinwen pulled off an incredible reversal, overcoming a disastrous start to defeat Hungary’s Anna Bondar 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The clash on May 5 featured a roller-coaster of emotions, as Zheng battled back from a 0-3 deficit in the final set to secure the win.
Zheng’s opening set was plagued by poor serving, with a first-serve percentage of just 28% and no break points created, leading to a 3-6 loss. However, she turned the match around in the second set by tightening her serve and unleashing powerful forehands, racing to a 4-0 lead before closing it out 6-3. The deciding set saw Zheng fall behind 0-3 early, but she refused to give in, winning five of the next six games to complete the stunning 6-4 comeback.
“Even when the odds were against me, I always believed I could turn it around,” Zheng said in her on-court interview. “With only 28% first serves in the first set, I told myself I would fight for every point using everything I had. That’s tennis – never give up.” The match quickly became a trending topic on social media, with fans praising her resilience: “Down 0-3 in the deciding set, I couldn’t watch – then she came back! Queen Wen is a true fighter with a script-worthy story.”
The victory sets up a second-round clash against 30th seed Bouchard, who represents a new challenge. Zheng will aim to carry her momentum and find her rhythm early against the steady Canadian. “It’s only the beginning, and my form will come back step by step,” Zheng added. With this mental fortitude on display, fans are eager to see if she can continue her run in Rome. (Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)