Iga Swiatek has been on an incredible winning streak this year. But Chinese star Zheng Qinwen won the first set in a tiebreak in her fourth round match against Swiatek. But pain from menstrual cramps crippled Qinwen, who lost the final two sets 6-0 and 6-2. Despite the loss, it was a great French Open for the rising Chinese tennis star.

Speaking about her menstrual during the post-match press conference, Qinwen said:

It’s just girls’ things, you know. 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. And I couldn’t go against my nature.

I wish I can be a man on court, but I cannot in that moment…I really wish I can be a man so that I don’t have to suffer from this.

Though menstrual pain is common, very few female tennis players openly discuss the issue. It’s refreshing to see Qinwen addressing the issue openly.  Recently, golfer Lydia Ko, who is ranked world number 3, also discussed the challenges of playing during her period.

Eastbourne International is a grass court warm up tournament held prior to the Wimbledon Championships. The tournament has a long history and has been a fixture on the tennis calendar for decades.

1. Eastbourne International tournament started in 1974

The first Eastbourne International tournament was held in 1974. Many top players have used this tournament to prepare for Wimbledon.

2. The tournament includes both men’s and women’s events but it was not always that way

Since 2017, the tournament has hosted both men’s and women’s events. But in 2015 and 2016, it was only a ladies event.

3. The tournament has many sponsors over the years

The tournament is currently sponsored by Rothesay. Its past sponsors iclude Nature Valley, Aegon, and Viking Cruises. From time to time, the tournament has struggled attracting sponsors.

4. Martina Navratilova has the most tiles

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova won 11 singles titles at Eastbourne, a record for the tournament.