Can Qinwen Zheng Outplay Peyton Stearns at WTA Dubai Showdown

Peyton Stearns has reached the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships again. She will now face Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng in the R32. Stearns has never beaten a Top 10 player before. This match is a big chance for her to change that. Can she pull off an upset on Wednesday? Zheng’s recent form has worried her fans. She has struggled in the 2025 season. Will she turn things around in Dubai? This match is set to be an exciting battle.

Qinwen Zheng vs Peyton Stearns: Preview

According to Essentially sports: Before the 2025 Australian Open, Qinwen Zheng had big dreams. She said, “I’m in the Top 5 but still far from my goal.” But her recent results have hurt her ranking. Fans were shocked when she lost early in the Australian Open. German player Laura Siegemund defeated her 6(3)-7, 3-6 in the second round.

Tennis fans felt disappointed by this result. After the match, Zheng spoke about her loss. She said, “Not much to say. I tried my best, but today was not my day.” She aimed for a comeback at the Qatar Open. However, she struggled again. Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur beat her 4-6, 2-6 in the R32.

Now, Zheng has another chance. She reached the Dubai quarterfinals last year. She will now face Peyton Stearns in the R32. Can she win and prove herself? Fans are eager to see if she can make a strong comeback.

Peyton Stearns’ Form and Recent Performances

We must wait to see who wins! But let’s talk about Stearns’ season so far. She has looked average. She reached the R16 of the Winners Open. However, her Doha performance was poor. She lost to Elena Rybakina 2-6, 4-6 in the R32.

She started well in Dubai. She defeated Ons Jabeur in straight sets. Jabeur praised Stearns’ brilliant performance. Zheng also beat Jabeur 7-6(5), 6-4 in the R64. Jabeur called Stearns a tough opponent. “She has a lot to improve, but I see her ranking much higher,” Jabeur said.

Stearns felt proud after her victory. She said she was “super happy” to beat Jabeur. The 23-year-old passed one big test. Now, she faces another challenge against Zheng. Can she do it again?

Zheng vs. Stearns: Head-to-Head

Zheng and Stearns have never played against each other. Their head-to-head record is 0-0. Zheng wants to bounce back after Doha. Stearns, on the other hand, is eyeing her career-high ranking of 43. This match is crucial for both. Who will come out on top in this high-stakes battle?

Prediction: Zheng to win in straight sets

Both players have struggled with their form this season. But it’s still early days. Qinwen Zheng has a 1-2 win-loss record. Peyton Stearns has a 4-5 record. Zheng’s experience in big matches gives her an advantage. She had an impressive 2024 season.

Zheng plays an aggressive baseline game. She has a powerful serve and a strong forehand. She also generates heavy topspin from both sides.

Stearns must stop Zheng from playing her natural game. The American is a promising young player. She plays fearlessly against higher-ranked opponents. Hard courts suit her powerful forehand. But she struggles with double faults.

Zheng is the favorite to win. But Stearns could have her moments. If Zheng plays her best, she should win in straight sets. Can Stearns cause an upset? We will find out soon!