Zheng to focus on the doubles

Chinese looking towards a successful Olympic farewell at London Games

China's Zheng Jie has turned her focus to the doubles and the upcoming London Olympic Games after being eliminated in the singles at the French Open.

"Although I lost in the singles, it won't affect my mood in the doubles," Zheng (pictured) said after being defeated by Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada in the second round of the event at Roland Garros on Wednesday.

"I have competed in both the singles and doubles for a long time, so I'm good at adjusting myself in such cases," Zheng said.

In the first round of the doubles, Zheng, the world No 34, teamed with compatriot Peng Shuai to beat Mona Barthel of Germany and Varvara Lepchenko of the US 6-4, 6-1 early on Thursday morning (Beijng time).

The Chinese pair, who will also compete in the doubles at the London Olympics, knows there are more difficult matches awaiting them.

"The opponents didn't pose too many problems for us the match didn't require too much tactical cooperation," Zheng said.

"Good cooperation between us will be produced by lots of training and playing together. We have to know how to deal with difficult situations together. The following matches will be greater tests for us."

Due to the retirement of her former partner, Yan Zi, Zheng has paired with Peng, the world No 30, to compete at the London Olympics. Zheng and Yan claimed Grand Slam doubles titles at the 2006 Australian Open and Wimbledon. They also won bronze at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

However, Peng has a wrist injury and will skip all competitions between the French Open and Wimbledon, which starts on June 25. Therefore, the chances for the new pair to work together before the Olympics are limited.

"I just learnt of it (the injury) after the first-round match (at French Open), so I was really surprised," Zheng said.

"For the Olympics, we all have our own goals, but I don't want mine known as it would put pressure on both of us. The London Olympics will be my last Olympic Games, so I will cherish every moment."

In the singles against Wozniak, Zheng had to play with a blister on her heel. The Canadian dominated the match with strong serves, which overwhelmed Zheng. It was the fourth successive time Zheng had fallen in the second round of the French Open.

"There is a gap between my serving ability and her's," Zheng said. "She served very well and I was passive. The pain of my heel made me impatient as well.

"I've been a professional player for 10 years and I have experienced ups and downs. It's normal. I have strong belief in myself and insist on battling through - even during difficult times. I will get my payback."

leilei@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 06/01/2012 page22)