Muchova defeats injured Zheng to meet Gauff in China Open final

BEIJING - Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic will face No 4 seed Coco Gauff of the United States in the 2024 China Open women's singles final after defeating home favorite and Paris Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen on Saturday.

World No 49 Muchova, who ended top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka's 15-match winning streak on Friday, made a strong start in the semifinal, taking a 3-2 lead in the first set.

Zheng suffered a painful fall while attempting to save a break point in the sixth game, leaving her sprawled on the court in visible distress. After receiving medical attention and having her injured fingers bandaged, Zheng continued playing, but Muchova capitalized on the moment, winning the first set 6-3.