Hot Shot: Zheng Qinwen tweener surprises Sakkari

Zheng Qinwen, last season's WTA Newcomer of the Year, demonstrated some of how she earned that title during her first match at the 2023 Qatar TotalEnergies Open on Tuesday.

Zheng Qinwen graces cover of GQ China

The World No.24 from China was down a set to No.5 seed Maria Sakkari

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Her effort even drew the praise of someone who knows a thing or two about rising to the occasion in Doha: two-time former champion Victoria Azarenka

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Sakkari regrouped after the second set and defeated Zheng in three sets to advance to the second round. Nevertheless, for Zheng -- affectionately known as "Queenwen" by fans -- this hot shot proved to be appropriately royal.