Musa
Zheng Qinwen brought the firepower, the rallies, and the resolve—but in her own words, she left the “killer instinct” at home during her Rome battle against Coco Gauff. In a tense, topsy-turvy clash that had fans glued to their screens, it was the American who found that extra gear when it mattered most, leaving Zheng to wonder what might have been.
“I had chances,” Zheng admitted post-match, “but I didn’t finish them. I didn’t have that killer instinct today.” Honest? Yes. Brutal? Also yes. But it’s the kind of self-awareness that separates rising stars from future champions.
The match was a slugfest—big serves, relentless groundstrokes, and plenty of “did-she-really-just-do-that?” moments. Zheng matched Gauff shot for shot for most of the encounter, but when crunch time hit, she blinked. Gauff, on the other hand, did not.
Still, there’s a silver lining. Zheng didn’t get steamrolled—she went toe-to-toe with a top-tier player and walked away knowing exactly what she needs to sharpen. That ruthless finishing touch? It’s not gone—it’s just in the shop for repairs.
At 21, Zheng’s ceiling remains sky-high. The talent is there. The power is undeniable. And the fact that she’s diagnosing her own weaknesses in real time? That’s the mark of a serious threat on tour.
She may not have had the killer instinct in Rome—but don’t be surprised if it shows up, sharpened and ready, when Paris rolls around.
Olaniyi Ayoola
dam
Musa
John Owolabi