“Doesn’t matter if it’s in China,” Qinwen Zheng brushes off the performance pressure as she reaches the quarterfinals at the 2024 Australian Open

Zheng now focuses on her game day by day, grateful for the overwhelming support from fans worldwide.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s in China,” Qinwen Zheng brushes off the performance pressure as she reaches the quarterfinals at the 2024 Australian Open

Qinwen Zheng during her fourth round match at the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, on January 22, 2024 (Via Imago)

Qinwen Zheng has secured her place in the Australian Open quarter-finals for the first time ever. She defeated Océane Dodin in superb straight sets to mark her victory. Ranked 15 in the WTA rankings, Zheng is a known face in the Chinese tennis circuit and is relished and loved by fans from almost all Asian countries.

In the post-match interview, the interviewer shared how she played prime time for China, and how her game and her stature is raising the Chinese flag high everywhere. What does it mean for her? To this, Zheng replied that this feeling comes with a ton of responsibility which sometimes turns into pressure. She shared how she is just trying to focus on herself and play consistently.

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I’m happy I received a lot of fans who come support me here. Also in front of the tv. Doesn’t matter if it’s in China or the whole world.
Zheng shared

Zheng’s journey to the Australian Open quarterfinals is more than simply a personal achievement. It also represents Chinese tennis’ growing impact and success on the international stage. She continues to inspire fans throughout the world with a blend of modesty and dedication. All while being steadfast in her thirst for athletic achievement.

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Zheng secures quarterfinal berth with dominant victory

Zheng, the 12th seed, demonstrated her power in Rod Laver Arena, with a brilliant 6-0, 6-3 victory in just 59 minutes. She dismantled Dodin with accuracy and finesse in her fourth-round debut at Melbourne Park and went on to display exceptional control and no indications of jitters.

The first set saw a faultless performance from the Chinese, who hit the lines with pinpoint accuracy. She won the opening set in just 24 minutes, hitting 11 winners and setting the tone for a strong performance that carried into the second set.

Océane Dodin and Qinwen Zheng after the 4th round match on Day 9 of the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Monday, January 22, 2024.
Océane Dodin and Qinwen Zheng after the 4th round match on Day 9 of the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Monday, January 22, 2024. (Image: Imago)

Zheng maintained her momentum and advanced with an ominous display against Dodin. The victory sets up a quarterfinal against unseeded Russian Anna Kalinskaya, raising expectations for China’s rising tennis star. Surprisingly, Zheng is the only seeded player still in her half of the draw.

Zheng, who had failed to go past the second round in her last two appearances at Melbourne Park, returned with high expectations following a successful 2023 season that featured two championships and a memorable quarterfinal performance at the US Open. Drawing inspiration from her hero, Li Na, Zheng hopes to emulate the historic accomplishment of the two-time Grand Slam champion.

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