RIYADH: China’s Zheng Qinwen reached the semi-finals of the WTA Finals in Riyadh after claiming a stunning 6-1 6-1 victory over Italian fourth seed Jasmine Paolini on Wednesday (Nov 6).

In her WTA Finals debut, the 22-year-old became the youngest player to reach the semi-finals since Petra Kvitova in 2011.

Zheng, seeded seventh, fired 12 aces in a dominant performance, recording her 30th win in 34 matches played since Wimbledon.

“It’s one of the best performances I’ve had this year,” he said on the court.

“Very good first serve percentage. I really enjoyed playing here tonight.”

Zheng won 77 percent of her first serve points and became the second Chinese woman to reach the semifinals of the WTA Finals after Li Na.

“(This was) almost 11 years ago. I’m proud that I was able to do it,” Zheng said.

“I didn’t know what would happen when I came here because it’s my first time. I just told myself to enjoy it. Especially because I’m in a really difficult group. Thank you to all the fans who came to see me tonight. Thank you for all your support “

The Paris Olympics champion finishes second in the purple round-robin group behind top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who secured her spot in the semi-finals by beating Paolini 6-3 7-5 on Monday to remain undefeated.

The world number one will face fifth seed Elena Rybakina in her final group match later on Wednesday.