Zheng bows out to Radwanska to end local singles' hopes in Beijing

BEIJING - Feel some pity, if you can, for the home crowd fans at the China Open.

After local favorite Li Na and world No 15 Peng Shuai suffered quick exits in the first round, Zheng Jie, the only Chinese player left in the women's singles, was downed by 11th seed Agnieszka Radwanska, of Poland, in straight sets on Wednesday.

"We really wanted to put up a good performance on our home court and entertain the fans; we have tried our best," said two-time Grand Slam semifinalist Zheng after losing 6-1, 6-4. "However, it has come to the end of the season and we are pretty tired. Also, playing in front of the home crowd puts extra pressure on us. I hope we can do better next year," she said.

Meanwhile, Radwanska, who turned professional in 2005, said she is used to the Chinese fans and enjoys playing here.

"Well, I know that everybody was against me; I could hear that," she said with a smile. "It's always tough.

"But I was very prepared for that. Of course, they were supporting the Chinese player. I understand that.

"I always enjoy playing here. The fans are good, even when against me. I would like to thank them and just hope I will see that many of them at my next match," said the runner-up of the event in 2009.

Zheng was the only Chinese women's player to advance to the second round. Local favorite Li lost her opener against qualifier Romanian Monia Niculescu in straight sets while world No 15 Peng was upset by Italian Flavia Pennetta. World No 128 Zhang Shuai and the other two Chinese wild cards were also eliminated in the first round.

This year has marked the worst performance of local women players in singles since the tournament was launched in 2004. Zheng, Peng and Li have all made the semifinals here before.

On the men's side, Zhang Ze is the only Chinese player remaining in the main draw after a victory over compatriot Li Zhe in the opening round.

China Daily

(China Daily 10/06/2011 page12)