China’s Zheng Qinwen said stomach cramps ruined her hopes of a shock French Open win over Iga Swiatek on Monday and left her “wishing I was a man”.
Zheng, 19 took the first set off the world No. 1 before losing 6-7 (5/7), 6-0, 6-2 in their last-16 clash.
The world No. 74 needed a medical timeout to strap her injured right leg early in the second set but she revealed afterwards that was the least of her worries.
“It’s just girl things,” Zheng said.
“The first day is always so tough and then I have to do sport and I always have so much pain in the first day.
“I couldn’t go against my nature. I wish I can be a man so that I don’t have to suffer from this. It’s tough.”
“Zheng played amazing tennis,” Swiatek said.
“I was surprised with some of her shots, her top spin was amazing. Huge congrats to her. I am happy to come back after a frustrating first set when I had the lead.
“I am proud to be still in the tournament.”
Swiatek will face US 11th seed Jessica Pegula for a place in the semi-finals.
