After "a very difficult match", Zheng wins Palermo for the 2nd year running

Zheng Qinwen successfully defended her title in Palermo on Sunday. In the final on the Sicilian clay court, the Chinese player, world no. 7 and finalist at the Australian Open in January, overcame Karolina Muchova, ranked 35th in the world, after a hard-fought battle lasting almost 3 hours and 3 sets (6-4, 4-6, 6-2).

Zheng thus clinches her 3rd WTA title, having also won in Zhengzhou in October 2023.

Zheng Qinwen: "It was a very difficult match, because I think she's an extraordinary player. She's very good on the volley.

There were a lot of ups and downs... I tried to be more aggressive in the third set and I'm glad it worked.

I feel like this place has been very special for me. I've had a lot of great performances here."