In Latest-Ending Women’s Match in US Open History, Zheng Beats Vekic Again in Olympic Rematch 

Zheng Qinwen, of China, reacts against Donna Vekic, of Croatia, during the fourth round of the US Open tennis tournament Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, in New York. (AP)
Zheng Qinwen, of China, reacts against Donna Vekic, of Croatia, during the fourth round of the US Open tennis tournament Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, in New York. (AP)
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In Latest-Ending Women’s Match in US Open History, Zheng Beats Vekic Again in Olympic Rematch 

Zheng Qinwen, of China, reacts against Donna Vekic, of Croatia, during the fourth round of the US Open tennis tournament Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, in New York. (AP)
Zheng Qinwen, of China, reacts against Donna Vekic, of Croatia, during the fourth round of the US Open tennis tournament Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, in New York. (AP)

Zheng Qinwen beat Donna Vekic in a rematch of their Olympic final, advancing to the US Open quarterfinals with a 7-6 (2), 4-6, 6-2 victory early Monday morning in the latest finish of a women's match in tournament history.

It was 2:15 a.m. when the No. 7-seeded Zheng finished off the match that lasted 2 hours, 50 minutes, a far tougher and longer test than she got from Vekic last month in Paris.

Zheng won China's first singles gold in tennis with a 6-2, 6-3 victory that day. She wasn't quite as dominant on the US Open's hard courts, where Vekic feels much more comfortable than the clay at Roland Garros.

But Zheng is plenty tough to beat herself on hard courts, having reached her first Grand Slam final this year at the Australian Open, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka.

“I feel really proud of myself because it’s not easy changing surfaces from clay to hard, especially because I went back to China so I don’t have the same practice like all the other players,” Zheng said. “So basically, I’m just trying to hold myself, find a way to get the match even if I’m not feeling at my best.”

She will play again against Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed who also beat Zheng last year in the quarters at Flushing Meadows on her way to the final, on Tuesday.

Zheng said she'll be ready — as long as she got eight or nine hours of sleep after finally getting back to the hotel.

“I really like to play against her and I’m looking forward to playing against her,” Zheng said. “I know she’s one of the greatest players on hard courts and I’ve been hoping for this moment.”

Vekic was coming off her best result in a Grand Slam, reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon. But the No. 24 seed knew she missed a chance to go even deeper in Flushing Meadows.

She frequently took long pauses in frustration after missing a shot, occasionally tugging at her hair or resting her head in her hand.

The Croatian broke Zheng to win the second set and even the match, driving Zheng back with some blistering returns before using a perfect drop shot to give herself a set point.

But after an ace to open the third set, Vekic made two straight unforced errors and Zheng broke her. Zheng then broke again at love for a 5-2 lead in front of the sparse crowd that had stuck around past 2 a.m.

The previous latest finish for a women's match was 2:13 a.m., when Maria Sakkari beat Bianca Andreescu in a 2021 fourth-round match.



Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
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Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA

French coach Hervé Renard has confirmed the Saudi national football team's readiness to compete in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait, from 21 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, and stressed that the team aims to achieve great results, rather than merely gain experience.
Renard also said the tournament is a valuable opportunity to enhance the players' technical and physical capabilities, SPA reported.
Speaking at a press conference, Renard said: "We are here to participate effectively and win. This tournament provides a great platform to work with the players and prepare them for future competitions."
Regarding the team's condition, Renard said that player Hassan Tambakti is ready for action, while Salem Al-Dawsari is "working on regaining full fitness".

He commended Al-Dawsari for his dedication to speeding up his recovery. Meanwhile, Firas Al-Brikan is dealing with an injury, and his availability will depend on further evaluations, said Renard.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Renard said: "I accepted this challenge because I believe in the players' capabilities. We must work with team spirit and focus on improvement in the coming period."
As far as the team's opening match against Bahrain is concerned, Renard said: "We are preparing for a tough game. The preparation period was crucial, and our focus now is on delivering a strong performance."
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting start to their Gulf Cup matches. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression in their opening match.