After a rocky start to 2025, winning only one of her first four matches, Qinwen Zheng is showing signs of recovery, claiming three of her last four victories. Overcoming challenging heat in Miami, she declared her adaptability, stating, “It doesn’t matter, hot or cold, I can play.” Now, she faces Taylor Townsend, who, despite success in doubles, entered Miami without a singles main-draw win this year. The question remains: can Townsend halt Zheng’s momentum?

Taylor Townsend vs Qinwen Zheng: Preview

Although the 28-year-old American had a horrid start to her singles campaign in 2025, she is currently on a four-match winning streak in Miami. She defeated the world number 24, Yulia Putintseva in the previous round by 7-6(2),1-6,6-1. Can Taylor Townsend keep her winning run intact in her home tournament?

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Time will tell! Meanwhile, Qinwen Zheng has now etched her name in the history books of this tournament. With her recent 6-1,7-5 win over America’s Lauren Davis, she has now become the first player since Li Na to make it to the round three at the Miami Open in three consecutive years. Zheng’s best record in this season was reaching the QF at the Indian Wells Open. 

Townsend vs Zheng: Head-to-Head

Taylor Townsend has met Qinwen Zheng only once in her career so far. Currently, the American has a 1-0 lead over the Chinese. Both these tennis stars will be meeting each other after almost a gap of six years. 

• 2019 Miami Qualifying R1: Townsend 4-6,7-5,6-4.

Prediction: Zheng to outclass Townsend in straight sets

Qinwen Zheng is heavily favored in this matchup. While Taylor Townsend holds a slight edge in their head-to-head record, her current form suggests an uphill battle.

Townsend’s singles record this year stands at a concerning 1-6, and she’s ranked 90th. In contrast, Zheng, currently ranked 9th, has a 5-4 win-loss record for 2025 and an impressive 65% career win rate on hard courts, where she’s reached seven finals and won two titles. On the other hand, while Townsend has had singles match wins, her reaching finals is far more common in doubles play.

Townsend’s serve-and-volley style, featuring a strong forehand and net game, is unique, and her powerful serve could pose a challenge. However, Zheng’s aggressive baseline game, highlighted by powerful groundstrokes and a strong serve—evidenced by her 12 aces in her previous match—presents a significant obstacle. Her mental resilience and adaptability further solidify her advantage.

While Townsend will have the support of the home crowd, Zheng’s superior hard-court record and current form, combined with her powerful serving and heavy topspin groundstrokes, make her the likely victor. I predict Zheng will win this match.