Zheng Qinwen defeats Paolini to reach WTA Finals semis

RIYADH -- Paris Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen of China cruised to a straight-set victory over Jasmine Paolini at the WTA Finals here on Wednesday, securing her spot in the semifinals.

In the third round of the Purple Group singles, seventh seed Zheng faced off against fourth seed Paolini. Zheng had won all three of their previous encounters.

Zheng was in excellent form throughout the match, delivering 12 aces and breaking Paolini's serve five times. She won the lop-sided match by 6-1, 6-1, marking her fourth consecutive victory over the Italian.

With this win, Zheng advanced to the semifinals, finishing second in the Purple Group with a 2-1 record. Top-seeded Sabalenka had already clinched the top place in the group and advanced to the semifinals. Zheng will next face the group winner from the singles' Orange Group.

Zheng became the second Chinese singles player to reach the WTA Finals semifinals, following Li Na in 2013.

Zheng said after the match, "I am really proud that I can make it because I didn't know what would happen when I came to this WTA Finals. It's my first time. So I just told myself to enjoy it. Actually, I played in a very difficult group. I want to thank the fans who came to watch me today."