MELBOURNE: Zheng Qinwen smoothly advanced past Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska on Thursday, securing her spot as the first Chinese finalist at the Australian Open in a decade.
This sets the stage for a final showdown against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Ranked 12th and expected to enter the world’s top 10 in the upcoming rankings, Zheng displayed a controlled performance on Rod Laver Arena, claiming victory with a 6-4, 6-4 score line in one hour and 42 minutes. This achievement marks the first time a Chinese player has reached the final at Melbourne Park since Li Na, Zheng’s idol, who won the tournament in 2014.
Expressing her excitement, the 21-year-old stated, “I’m super excited to have such a great performance today and arrive in the final.” Zheng, who had previously not advanced beyond the quarter-finals in a Grand Slam, acknowledged the formidable play of her opponent, Dayana Yastremska, saying, “My opponent was playing unbelievable tennis and had a really good baseline stroke. It is tough to explain my feelings now.”
Yastremska initially broke in the evening clash on Rod Laver Arena but relinquished her advantage by serving four double faults in the next game. Zheng, buoyed by strong support from the Chinese contingent in the crowd, secured another break in the seventh game. Yastremska left the court, possibly for treatment of a stomach issue causing discomfort, after which Zheng claimed the first set. The Ukrainian again left the court after the set.
Despite Yastremska’s efforts, Zheng broke her serve in the third game of the second set. Although Yastremska managed to level at 2-2, Zheng broke her to love in the seventh game, a decisive move that allowed her to capitalize on the first match point and advance to the final scheduled for Saturday.
