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Tennis star in awkward wardrobe malfunction as opponent sheepishly forced to point out blunder
The world No7 could face a feisty encounter in the next round
ZHENG QINWEN had a wardrobe malfunction pointed out to her by opponent Moyuka Uchijima just moments before their match in Tokyo.
Chinese superstar Zheng, 22, is the top seed at this week's Toray Pan Pacific Open.
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After receiving a bye through the first round, the Australian Open finalist faced Japanese home hopeful Uchijima at Ariake Coliseum.
The match was scheduled in the big night session slot in Tokyo.
Ahead of the encounter, Zheng and Uchijima headed to the net for the coin toss.
As they did so, Uchijima noticed that Zheng's Nike top still had its label sticking out.
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When the pair posed for the customary pre-match photo, the world No57 pointed out Zheng's wardrobe malfunction to her.
The top seed appeared to shrug it off, beaming for the picture.
As she walked to the baseline she laughed as she yanked the label off, subsequently handing it to a ballkid.
Uchijima also laughed at the incident as she made her way to the baseline.
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The fashion faux pas did not appear to affect Zheng in the slightest once the match got underway.
Early on in the first set the pair exchanged breaks, with underdog Uchijima initially making the contest competitive.
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The 23-year-old led the opener 5-4, but would not win another game in the entire match.
World No7 Zheng grabbed a crucial break at 5-5 before serving out the first set.
She then bagelled Uchijima to see out a comfortable 7-5 6-0 win in an hour and 18 minutes.
Next up, Zheng will play former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez.
The encounter could be a feisty one after their recent meeting in Wuhan earlier this month.
During the second set of the match, Zheng appeared to take issue with a member of Fernandez's team, seemingly telling them to be quiet as she prepared to return serve.
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Fernandez, 22, was incensed by Zheng's comments, with the umpire having to intervene.
Zheng went on to win the match 5-7 6-3 6-0 - going on to reach the Wuhan final before losing a competitive three-setter to new world No1 Aryna Sabalenka.
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