Qinwen Zheng breaks into the Australian Open finals against Aryna Sabalenka as she stuns Dayana Yastremska in straight sets

Qinwen Zheng created history as she beat Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the finals.

Qinwen Zheng breaks into the Australian Open finals against Aryna Sabalenka as she stuns Dayana Yastremska in straight sets

Qinwen Zheng (Via Imago)

The 2024 Australian Open welcomed 128 women into its main draw. After two weeks of intense games, two people remained on top of their groups.

The defending champion Aryna Sabalenka made her way into the finals earlier today, and now Qinwen Zheng has made history by joining the Belarusian in her maiden Australian Open final.

Having started her year on a high at the United Cup, the Chinese youngster entered the Australian Open in great form. 

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Carrying the form, she managed to cause a few upsets along the way and made her way into the semi-finals. Fresh off a hard-fought victory in the quarterfinals against Anna Kalinskaya, Zheng was up against the qualifier, Dayana Yastremska, for a place in the finals. 

After a sluggish start, the 21-year-old broke at the right moment to secure the first set to her name. Despite a small medical timeout from her opponent, the unwavering focus from the Chinese kept her in a strong position to win the match.

Replicating the same performance in the next set, the youngster won 11 points in a row to win the match in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. With this win, she broke into the Australian Open finals. 

Qinwen Zheng creates history as she makes it to her maiden Australian Open finals

Top-ranked Chinese Qinwen Zheng has only been on a meteoric rise since she turned pro. She has only been achieving milestones since then. 

Qinwen Zheng
Qinwen Zheng (Via X)

After a quarter-final win, the Chinese youngster recorded her best run in a Grand Slam and also her entry into the Top 10 ranking. Starting the Australian Open as World No. 12, Zheng managed to enter the top 10, making her a strong contender in the future. 

With a thrashing victory against qualifier Yastremska, Zheng entered the finals of the Australian Open for the first time in her career. This was a historic moment for the sport, as Zheng became only the second Chinese player to do so since Li Na’s legendary run in 2014. 

Now, the 21-year-old faces the defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, in a thrilling final. The last time they met in the quarterfinals of the US Open, it was the Belarusian who won in straight sets against Zheng. Eying the title as well as revenge, the Chinese will look to put up her best performance on the best stage. 

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