China's high-flying Wang Qiang exudes confidence ahead of historic Wimbledon clash with Mertens
CGTN
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China's Wang Qiang said confidence was everything as she looks to cause an upset at Wimbledon.

Wang is playing at the top of her game, finding an ever-increasing sense of self-belief.

The 27-year-old is on her career-high ranking of 15th in the world after runs to the quarterfinals in Prague and Miami.

The secret to her run of form? "Confidence," she said.

"Last year I had really good confidence, but I think I need more, so I build my confidence for the second half of this year. More confidence on court," she added.

Wang's year-ending ranking has gone from 114 to 70, 45 and 20 over the past four years.

China's Wang Qiang returns against Slovakia's Tamara Zidansek on the fourth day of the 2019 Wimbledon, July 4, 2019. /VCG Photo

China's Wang Qiang returns against Slovakia's Tamara Zidansek on the fourth day of the 2019 Wimbledon, July 4, 2019. /VCG Photo

She is the 15th seed at Wimbledon and beat Slovakia's Tamara Zidansek 6-1, 6-2 in 54 minutes on Court 17 on Thursday to cruise through to the third round.

"I played really aggressive. I did everything right. I was very focused on the court. I'm happy with what I'm doing on the court," she said.

In her first appearance in the third round at the All England Club, Wang will face Elise Mertens, the 21st seed, in the round of 32 on Saturday.

The Belgian beat Romanian wildcard Monica Nicolescu 7-5, 6-0 in round two.

"I think she plays really aggressive on the court," Wang said of her next opponent.

"She tries to hit every ball as hard as she can. I will just try to be myself and not play so much on the defensive. I will just try to hit with her."

Wang Qiang during her women's singles second round match at Wimbledon, July 4, 2019. /VCG Photo

Wang Qiang during her women's singles second round match at Wimbledon, July 4, 2019. /VCG Photo

Despite being in peak form, Wang is not thinking too far ahead at Wimbledon.

"I do not think too much. Just step by step, match by match," she said, with Kiki Bertens, Petra Kvitova, Sloane Stephens and Johanna Konta lurking in her quarter of the draw.

The Tianjin right-hander said she had been working on her form and technique in training.

"That's what I practice every day. I just want to take what I practice into the match. I just try to do it correctly," she said.

Wang is more than impressed with U.S. teenage qualifier Cori Gauff's stellar Wimbledon debut, knocking out two-time champion Venus Williams on her path to the the third round.

"When I was 15 years old, I stayed at home and was playing games. I don't know how she did it. I have no idea!" said Wang.

The two could potentially meet at Wimbledon – in the final.

Source(s): AFP