By Alberto Amalfi | Tuesday, February 22, 2016
Saisai Zheng upset top-seeded Angelique Kerber, 7-5, 6-1, to set up a Doha round of 16 match with wild card Genie Bouchard.
Photo credit: Qatar Tennis Federation
Saisai Zheng faced the challenge of closing her biggest singles win with a forward rush.
Playing attacking tennis, the world No. 73 won 11 of 13 trips to net toppling top-seeded Angelique Kerber, 7-5, 6-1, to reach the Qatar Total Open round of 16.
More: Bouchard, Kvitova Advance in Doha
"Oh my God, the feeling is amazing today," Zheng told Andy Taylor afterward. "Kerber played unbelievable in Australian Open. She's a great champion. She didn't play many tournaments after Australian Open, so for sure it's not her best tennis today. But I'm happy I win that match."
Playing her first tournament since stunning Serena Williams in the Australian Open final to capture her first career Grand Slam title, Kerber looked lethargic in the second set.
The world No. 2 could not counter Zheng's aggression effectively. Kerber committed 38 errors in the 79-minute loss.
An Australian Open doubles semifinalist last month, Zheng used her net skills to close her fifth win in her last six singles matches.
"She runs unbelievable, the only way I can get the point is come in," Zheng said. "That's my only choice. "I feel great. My first time playing Kerber. I think I met some new friends here."
Zheng will face wild card Genie Bouchard for a spot in the quarterfinals. The 2014 Wimbledon finalist defeated Denisa Allertova, 7-6 (0), 7-5.