China's Zheng Qinwen serves to Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina during their women's singles tennis match on the sixth day of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 2, 2022. (ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP)

TORONTO - China's rising star Zheng Qinwen reached her first WTA 1000 quarterfinals after beating local favorite Bianca Andreescu 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 at the National Bank Open on Thursday.

Zheng took the first set after an intense 67 minutes, but she was overturned by Andreescu when leading 5-4 in the second set. In the decider, Zheng dominated to finish the match within three hours.

"I was leading, and I served two double faults in a row. That's hard for me because such an important game, the last set," said Zheng.

I was leading, and I served two double faults in a row. That's hard for me because such an important game, the last set ... But in the end, I am happy that I got through the pressure and to get this match.

Zheng Qinwen, Chinese professional tennis player

"But in the end, I am happy that I got through the pressure and to get this match."

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Zheng, who had an impressive run at Roland Garros in May, started her season ranked No. 143 but has already risen to top 51.

The 19-year-old will now face Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic, who was the last year's runner-up.

"Tomorrow will be a tough match, an interesting match. And I would like to challenge myself once again," she said.

"My philosophy is that it doesn't matter who the opponent in front of me is. Just give my best and try to win," Zheng added when talking about her goal at the upcoming US Open.

Andreescu, 22, had plenty of encouraging words for Zheng.

Zheng Qinwen of China serves during the women's singles third round match between Zheng Qinwen of China and Alize Cornet of France at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, on May 28, 2022. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

"I think she's playing top-10 level right now. She's playing really, really good. I'm super happy for her," Andreescu said.

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"When I was her age ... I remember just being super fearless. The players don't know you that well as well. And you kind of go out there, play fearless, no pressure. And that's what she's doing. Honestly, I think she can win the tournament if she continues like that."