Zheng Qinwen didn't look like a player who had been out of action for an extended period during her Doha opener as the former world No. 4 impressively fired 20 aces and 43 winners.
After not being quite ready to make a comeback at the Australian Open, the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist finally hit the court on Monday to take on Sofia Kenin in the Doha first round. For the Chinese, who underwent arthroscopic surgery in July, it was her first match since September.
And after two hours of play, Zheng ended victorious after completing a 4-6 6-1 6-2 comeback win over 2020 Australian Open champion Kenin.
Although Zheng's quality and aggressive style of play are well-documented, players – even top ones – usually need some time to find their ryhthm after being out for an extended time. However, that wasn't the case with the 2024 Australian Open runner-up, who also converted four of her six break point chances.
On the other side, Kenin had just one aces and eight winners.
Qinwen hit 20 aces to Kenin’s 1.
She hit 43 winners to Kenin’s 8. pic.twitter.com/67VSXcQGjN
— 👑 QINWEN ZHENG 🇨🇳 NEWS (@QinwenZhengNews) February 9, 2026
Here is a compilation of Zheng's 20 aces
As tennis fans were left impressed by the 23-year-old's display in her comeback match, one X user made a compilation of her 20 aces.
Full compilation of Qinwen's 20 aces pic.twitter.com/wIS5K57OvM
— 元气豆沙包 (@hoppang121) February 9, 2026
Here is also footage of Zheng pulling off some brilliant drop shots.
Qinwen Zheng hits two dazzling drop shots against Kenin in Doha.
Perfect disguise and placement on both of them.
Been out of competition for 19 weeks…
Queenwen things. 😮💨😮💨😮💨
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 9, 2026
Meanwhile, Zheng returns to the court on Tuesday to face Alycia Parks in the Doha second round.
