Wimbledon: Zheng Qinwen out to end first-round woes, ‘fully prepared’ for Siniakova clash

Zheng Qinwen said she would be “fully prepared” for her opening match at Wimbledon on Monday against Katerina Siniakova, who knocked her out in the first round two years ago.

The Olympic champion’s best performance at Wimbledon came on her debut in 2022, when she reached the third round.

But, she has fallen at the first hurdle since then, losing to the 29-year-old from the Czech Republic in 2023 and Lulu Sun last year.

The world No 5 and Siniakova, who has 10 women’s doubles grand slam titles to her name, including three at Wimbledon, are scheduled to go head-to-head at 10.30pm Hong Kong time on Monday.

“She’s a tough opponent, especially on grass,” Zheng told reporters. “Her shots are quite flat, so the ball won’t bounce too high on grass. I have lost to her twice, and I will definitely be fully prepared this time.”

China’s No 1 is heading into Wimbledon in good form, having reached the semi-final at Queen’s Club before having to withdraw from the Berlin Open with a neck injury.