RIYADH, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- Standing behind champion Coco Gauff at the award ceremony, Zheng Qinwen reached out her hand to catch the gold confetti fluttering in the air, as if trying to grasp the fleeting opportunity for victory that she had just missed.

In her debut at the year-end WTA Finals, China's rising star Zheng fought hard for three hours and four minutes in the final on Saturday night. Despite winning the first set 6-3, she was overtaken by 20-year-old American Gauff, who rallied to win the following two sets 6-4, 7-6 (2).

In the deciding set, Zheng led 5-3 and came within just two points of clinching the championship. At the post-match press conference, she couldn't hide her disappointment, saying, "It hurts to lose this match, for me of course, but I think it's better I forgot and then move on for my next steps."

Despite missing out on the title, 22-year-old Zheng still made history. She became the youngest Chinese player to reach the final on her WTA Finals debut, and matched the best singles performance by an Asian player in this tournament since China's Li Na made the final in 2013.

Eight days ago, at the pre-tournament press conference, Zheng had said, "I just want to enjoy myself and have fun with tennis." With that lighthearted attitude, she made an impressive run to the final.

"It feels so special because it's my first WTA Finals. And right now I am just in the final. That's really unbelievable," she said after the semifinal.

Many fans hadn't expected Zheng to reach the final. Zhang Siqi, a tennis enthusiast working in Riyadh, had initially bought tickets for the group matches and semifinals. "After watching the semifinals, my colleagues and I immediately bought tickets for the final. I didn't expect Qinwen to reach the final in her first appearance."

From the first match, a large number of Chinese fans were present in each of Zheng's matches, waving the Chinese national flags and filling the arena with supportive chants in Chinese. "They've turned the venue into a sea of Chinese voices. I never anticipated this," Zheng commented.

In addition to the many Chinese living in Saudi Arabia who came to watch, numerous fans flew from China to Riyadh to support Zheng. Li Qing, who traveled from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, watched all of Zheng's matches. "Her last two group stage matches and the semifinal were phenomenal, with incredibly high-quality shots. She even hit nine aces in the semifinal, which was amazing!"

Yao Xin, who flew from Shanghai to watch, cheered enthusiastically for Zheng during the final. "I was very emotional throughout. During critical moments and tight scores, I wanted to cheer for her and let her know that her compatriots were supporting her."

After each match, Zheng always specifically thanked the Chinese fans in Chinese. After the final, she said, "The crowd today was incredibly enthusiastic. I heard Chinese fans cheering for me. Thanks to all the supporters here and to everyone supporting me from afar."

Beyond connecting with Chinese fans, Zheng also had a story with the host city, as her debut at the WTA Finals coincided with Riyadh's hosting the tournament for the first time, drawing many Saudis to the stands.

Dana, a Saudi girl, became a fan of Zheng after watching her first match. "I was rooting for her to win. She's very calm and confident, managing her emotions well. I haven't seen that in other players. I hope she will win next year - I'll keep supporting her."

Initially not a fan of tennis, Dana decided to sign up for lessons after this experience and was inspired to learn more about the sport.

"If more people can fall in love with tennis because of me, then maybe that's the ultimate reason I'm on the court," Zheng noted after the final.

The Chinese sensation summed up her 2024 season with three words - exciting, thrilling and unpredictable. Although she missed the championship, she saw "a lot of positive things" and believed "maybe next time I will be better." Enditem

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