Qinwen Zheng, the 2024 Olympic champion from Paris, will face Elena Micic in the Round of 16 at the Athens tournament on July 15, 2026. Zheng, recovering from an elbow injury, seeks to reclaim her top form after a challenging season.
What’s at stake for Qinwen Zheng?
Zheng, now ranked 135th in the world, is far from her peak after surgery. Her first-round win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (7-5, 6-1) showed flashes of her old power, but consistency remains elusive. A victory here would signal progress in her comeback.
How does Micic challenge Zheng?
Elena Micic, ranked 302nd, is the underdog but brings momentum. The Australian defeated Marta Matulu in straight sets (7-5, 6-3) and boasts a strong baseline game. Her aggressive style and net play could test Zheng’s recovery.
Key stats to watch
Zheng’s matches often exceed 17.5 games, while Micic has won more than 6.5 games in 12 straight matches. Bookmakers favor Zheng, but Micic’s form makes this a potential upset.
The match will be broadcast live on 1xBet. Zheng’s powerful forehand and serve will be critical, but Micic’s adaptability could push her to the limit.