ZHENG QINWEN/J. Paolini
6-2, 3-6, 6-3
THE MODERATOR: Congratulations on advancing to the semifinals. Please share your thoughts on today's match.
ZHENG QINWEN: I thought this match, we both played very well. It was a very good win.
THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.
Q. You won 19 games in a row against Italian players. What do you think of this?
ZHENG QINWEN: Well, I haven't thought about that 'cause I never think about those title. You never calculate and you never think about which nationality they're from when you face opponent. I just play my tennis today.
I think the Italian players, they play really good. Especially Paolini. I say that already in Palermo. She's a really good player. Achieved two times Grand Slam final this year. That's unbelievable for her.
I'm really happy to won this match today because I felt she is tough to beat.
Q. What do you think made the difference in the match? What does it mean for you to be in the semifinals here?
ZHENG QINWEN: Well, for me, means like I have the stability finally to reach the high level in the big tournament. Not anymore too much ups and downs in my game, even in the difficult moment.
It was not easy for me to play here, especially with the physical conditions. I'm just happy to be back in semifinals. Yeah, that's it.
Q. It will be the first all-Chinese semifinal at a WTA 1000 tomorrow. What is your reaction to that? How proud are you to have that milestone?
ZHENG QINWEN: Which means we have a great player in China. I mean, our base level was more higher than before, so that's a good things.
I mean, is never easy to play against opponent same like your country, you know? There is a different pressure. I know that. I think we grow basically in the same tournament. Play the same tournament in juniors.
It's going to be difficult for me because the player who arrive in semifinals never easy to beat. I just going to give my best and treat her like a normal opponent, and we will see what's happen tomorrow.
THE MODERATOR: Questions in Chinese.
Q. The semifinal, the first all-Chinese semifinal at a WTA 1000 event. The crowd cannot decide who to support. What do you think?
ZHENG QINWEN: It says that we have elevated our game in China. Two Chinese players in the same tournament, in the same semifinal, it says that we are playing in good form.
It's not easy playing against a Chinese player. We face a different level of pressure. But I will see her as a normal opponent. The most important thing is to focus on my game. China is a lucky place for both of us.
Q. In the US Open you mentioned a hitting partner. Of course, they are very important. Could you talk about the impact of your hitting partners. Could you talk about your schedule with them.
ZHENG QINWEN: During the US Open, because of the hitting partner, I was a bit angry because of the level of my hitting partner. I was injured hitting with my hitting partner. That affected my mentality. There were situations like this.
But thinking back, I shouldn't have done this. The level of hitting partner is because the more demands I make, the more nervous they become.
Hitting partners are really important to me. Before a match I practice with my coach because he has a really good level, so I'm feeling good right now.
Q. Could you talk about this match, the form of your opponent. What kind of tactics can you win when a match is very close?
ZHENG QINWEN: I think my opponent played very well. This is the truth. She indeed played very well. It was an excellent match. Very sharp forehand from her. In terms of rallies, she played really, really excellent. I did very well in the key points.
In her service games, I had more break points. She did not get as many break points as I did. I'm very happy I won this match because I'm really proud of this victory.
Q. In the China season from the China Open to the Wuhan Open, you have two back-to-back semifinals. We understand you have a very packed schedule after the Olympics. Sabalenka also said a lot of people are quite tired at this part of the season. With such great performances in the China season, your physicality, mentality, did you see any improvement?
ZHENG QINWEN: Of course, yes. While you have a lack of motivation, how do you find that desire to win? This is not something I did not do well in the Australian Open. So after the Olympics, I had to remind myself and my team reminded myself. They remember how I acted after the Australian Open so I can avoid that. With a good team, that's really important because they can make sure that I'm healthy as well as very high level of training quality.
With back-to-back semifinals, I rely on the support of my team as well as encouragement from myself.
Q. From the Australian Open to the US Open, you lost to the same opponent, Sabalenka. After today's match, you will have a chance to play this opponent again. For this possible encounter, do you have any special preparation?
ZHENG QINWEN: I did not think that far ahead. I just focus on the next match. My next opponent, I will not think too much about the semifinals or the final. I just think about what I should do tomorrow.
Let's talk about this if I make it into the final. I have to do well in the semifinal. Of course, it will be a very tough battle.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports