Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen says she found a rhythm of her own which enabled her to overcome past challenges and triumph at this year's China Open in Beijing, as she now hopes to keep that spark alive in her quest for Grand Slam glory.
Zheng delighted home fans as she captured the women's singles title in Sunday's final to become the first ever Chinese winner of the event, fulfilling one of her own childhood dreams.
After defeating fourth-seeded Russian player Mirra Andreeva, Zheng broke down in tears during an emotional celebration at the National Tennis Center in the Chinese capital.
The win comes after an injury-hit period which has plagued the Chinese star ever since she stormed to Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games and peaked at a career-high ranking of No. 4.
After undergoing surgery on a persistent right elbow injury in July 2025, Zheng has had to fight her way back. Her ranking fell as low as No. 160 after she returned to the tour earlier this year.
During those months of uncertainty, Zheng said she took the time to rediscover herself and address some of the shortcomings in her game, both in terms of her on-court skills and the all-important mental side of competing against the world's best.
After finding the extra energy to recover and make the key breakthrough, Zheng said all these setbacks have given her a deeper appreciation of every victory.
"I felt like as the tournament progressed, I got a better idea of how to play. I've been pretty consistent in my recent matches, and I think that's definitely something to be proud of. I've also found my own rhythm and style of play, and I'm hoping that I can keep it going," said Zheng.
The victory, which marked Zheng's maiden WTA 1000 title, earned her crucial ranking points which sees her now rise to No. 23 in the WTA rankings as she continues her comeback.
Zheng Qinwen regains confidence, finds her rhythm to secure China Open win
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced support Monday for the "energy ceasefire" initiative announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, saying that the proposal creates a viable path toward halting attacks on energy infrastructure.
Trump announced an immediate "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine on Sunday.
"Effective immediately," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that "both parties have agreed."
The declaration came just two days after Trump unveiled a diesel supply deal with Russia.
"If Russia does not agree to an energy ceasefire, we will respond," Zelensky said on Monday.
As part of a reciprocal exchange, Zelensky said, Ukraine would be willing to halt strikes on Russian diesel infrastructure if Ukrainian energy facilities receive security guarantees and are spared from Russian attacks.
On the same day, Ukraine's state-run energy company Naftogaz said that Russian forces launched a drone strike early Monday morning against natural gas production facilities in the Kharkiv region.
The airstrike damaged critical equipment, sparked a fire, and disrupted the normal operations of the facility. Emergency crews were dispatched to the site to carry out repairs, restore damaged systems, and handle the aftermath of the blaze, according to Naftogaz.
Russian authorities have not yet responded to the incident.
On Saturday, Trump said Russia was willing to reach a deal to end the conflict in Ukraine but accused Zelensky of resisting a negotiated settlement. He also called on Ukraine to hold an election and choose a new leader who could make a deal with Moscow.
In response to Trump's remarks, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday that it is vital for Moscow to see political will within the Kiev regime to accept reality and advance a peaceful settlement to the conflict.
Zelensky responded on Sunday that he would call a vote if Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a 60-day ceasefire, and that it was "up to Ukrainians" to choose their leader. Presidential elections, originally due in 2024, have been postponed under martial law.
The dispute over the ceasefire comes as rising energy prices have become a growing political concern for Trump ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.
On Friday, Trump announced a deal with Putin under which Russia would supply diesel fuel to the United States and global markets. Trump described it as a necessary step to bring down soaring diesel prices, which he attributed largely to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
Zelensky rejected the suggestion that he was responsible for rising energy prices, saying that "everybody in the world" knew that the war in the Middle East was a bigger factor.
Ukraine says it backs U.S. 'energy ceasefire' initiative
Ukraine says it backs U.S. 'energy ceasefire' initiative
