Zheng Qinwen Makes History as First Chinese Woman in Aussie Open Semis Since Li Na

Zheng Qinwen has become the first Chinese player to reach the Australian Open women’s singles semi-finals since Li Na’s 2014 title win with Li serving as a major inspiration for Zheng. The upcoming final will coincide with the 10th anniversary of Li’s victory, the last time a Chinese player won a major singles title. Zheng, a 21-year-old considered a future Grand Slam contender, recently impressed by taking Iga Swiatek to three sets at the 2022 French Open.

In her semi-final match against Anna Kalinskaya, Zheng faced a setback in the first set but recovered ultimately securing victory and a spot in the world’s top 10. Zheng expressed surprise at this news in her post-match interview, highlighting her achievement within a year of setting a goal to reach the top 10.