Zheng Qinwen Makes History as Second Chinese Player to Reach Australian Open Final

Zheng Qinwen has etched her name in history as she becomes the second Chinese player to reach the final of the Australian Open. On the 10th anniversary of Li Na‘s second Grand Slam title in 2014, Zheng secured victory against No.12 seed Dayana Yastremska in a battle between two first-time Grand Slam semifinalists. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in Zheng’s blossoming career, as she is set to face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final.

21-year-old Zheng has been steadily climbing the ranks since fully committing to her professional career in 2020. She embarked on road trips to ITF tournaments across Europe as the tennis world emerged from the Covid-19 shutdown. In 2022, she made her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open, elevating her ranking from No.143 to No.25 throughout the season. In the following year, Zheng clinched her first two career titles in Palermo and Zhengzhou, propelling her into the Top 20 and earning her the title of Most Improved Player in the WTA Awards.

Having reached the final, Zheng joins the ranks of other young players born in 2002 or later who have experienced Grand Slam success, including Emma Raducanu, Leylah Fernandez, and Coco Gauff. This marks Zheng’s fifth tour-level final, with an even 2-2 record in her prior appearances.

Her opponent in the final, Aryna Sabalenka, will be a formidable contender. Sabalenka, the defending champion and World No. 2, has had an impressive Australian Open campaign, not dropping a single set thus far. The two players have previously clashed in the quarterfinals of the US Open, where Sabalenka emerged victorious with a 6-1, 6-4 win.

The Australian Open final, a highly anticipated showdown, promises to be an exciting spectacle in Melbourne Park. Zheng Qinwen’s historic achievement serves as a testament to her talent and determination, following in the footsteps of Li Na and paving the way for future Chinese tennis stars.