Zheng Qinwen routinely handled Elina Svitolina in a charity match at Rod Laver Arena as the 2024 Australian Open runner-up claimed a 6-2 6-2 win.
Between January 7-10, a series of exhibition and charity events are being held at Melbourne Park, with the Australian Tennis Foundation using the funds to support children in need.
And on Tuesday, fans had a chance to watch the Paris Olympics gold medalist and the Ukrainian tennis star play their first matches in 2025.
Qinwen ASMR 😌#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/2U0wHcMsxo
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 8, 2025
While Zheng dominated the match from start to finish and probably won easier than expected, the crowd still had a blast as the stands were full of Chinese fans who came to watch the world No. 5 and it is not a secret that Svitolina is also regarded as a fan favorite.
For the Chinese, this was her first match since losing the WTA Finals final to Coco Gauff.
On the other side, the 30-year-old Ukrainian was playing her first match since undergoing foot surgery in September.
Zheng, Svitolina decided not to play any tournaments leading up to the Australian Open
The world No. 5 was slated to kick off her 2025 season by representing China at the United Cup in the first week of the season – but she wasn’t ready after a very long and successful last season.
“Hi everyone, just a quick update that I’m sadly not going to be competing at the United Cup next week. After the long season that 2024 was for me, I need a few extra weeks of rest, recovery, and good training to get ready for the new season,” the Chinese tennis star announced on December 22nd.
When it comes to Svitolina, she simply decided not to sign up for any tournaments leading up to the Australian Open.
However, her Australian Open participation was never a doubt since she also arrived early in Australia.
Tennis World USA