Tennis-Olympic champion Zheng's return to Paris ends in tame defeat

Tennis-Olympic champion Zheng's return to Paris ends in tame defeat

Olympic ​champion Zheng Qinwen's ​return to the ‌venue of ​her most famous triumph ended with a 6-4 6-0 humbling ‌by Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the French Open first round on Monday.

China's Zheng has largely struggled to ‌replicate the form that carried her to the ‌gold medal at the Paris Games two years ago with a chronic right elbow injury stalling her progress and forcing ⁠her ​to undergo ⁠surgery last summer. The 23-year-old, who made the Roland Garros quarter-finals last ⁠year, took treatment for a foot problem midway through ​the second set before her first defeat in ⁠the opening round of the French Open.

World number 114 Chwalinska, ⁠who ​came through three rounds of qualifying and dished out two bagels along the way, showed no ⁠mercy and wrapped up the win to book a ⁠clash with ⁠either Tatjana Maria or 23rd seed Elise Mertens in the second round.

Give Feedback

Use this form for editorial or site feedback. We usually reply within 2 to 3 working days.

By submitting, you agree that we may use your email address to respond.