Zheng, meanwhile, remained unfazed by the drama and maintained her focus, edging closer to a potential breakthrough title.

China's Zheng Qinwen stuns world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 6-3 to set up an Italian Open semi-final against Coco Gauff.

Champion Alexander Zverev and world number one Aryna Sabalenka fell by the wayside in the quarter-finals of the Italian Open on Wednesday, while Carlos Alcaraz beat Briton's Jack Draper 6-4 6-4 to reach the last four for the first time at the claycourt event.