“Come back stronger and better,” Qinwen Zheng pulls through expectations for the ‘next time’ after losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open finals

Qinwen Zheng comments on her emotions and learnings to prepare herself for the next Australian Open after suffering defeat at the hands of Aryna Sabalenka.

“Come back stronger and better,” Qinwen Zheng pulls through expectations for the ‘next time’ after losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open finals

Qinwen Zheng (Credits: India Today)

It’s a heartbreak for Qinwen Zheng in her maiden Grand Slam singles finals, as she has to settle for the runners-up trophy at the 2024 Australian Open. Fighting against defending champ and World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, the Chinese youngster had to taste the bitter taste of defeat at Melbourne Park. 

Sabalenka won the match 6-3, 6-2 in 1 hour and 16 minutes to win the Major for the second consecutive year.

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She was the favorite, and she did play like a favorite, winning the title without dropping a single set throughout the campaign, joining the likes of Serena Williams and Ash Barty in the process. 

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Zheng was looking to repeat the feat of her childhood idol, Li Na, the last Chinese woman to win a Grand Slam title in singles. Li Na had won the 2014 Australian Open, her second and last Major of her career. The 21-year-old, however, faltered on the last hurdle, but it was a remarkable campaign nonetheless. 

Unlike Sabalenka, the 12th seed had to fight and survive three-setters, with two of those matches seeing her stage a comeback. It is only natural that it was a disappointing result for her following the finals. Speaking in the press conference, she however pointed out her ‘plan’ to return stronger in the next edition. 

Yeah, actually it is difficult, you know. Also, maybe I have to work more on my tennis, also work more on my mental side, work more on myself to be able to through this moment. Because if you lose, there must be reason behind why you lose, and we have to try to figure out why and then come back stronger and better next time.
Said Zheng upon being asked on the challenge to keep herself motivated

Qinwen Zheng breaks into the Top-10 for the first time in her career

There are plenty of reasons for Qinwen Zheng to be proud of her campaign Down Under this year. Not only did she gain the experience of playing the big matches, but she will now prepare herself better mentally after being overwhelmed in today’s finals.

Qinwen Zheng, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Aryna Sabalenka
Qinwen Zheng, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Aryna Sabalenka (Credits: The Standard [HK])

Not only does she return home with a massive paycheque, she has now achieved her career-best ranking as well. She was previously ranked as high as World No. 13. But following her runner-up finish in Melbourne, she will now rise to World No. 7 when the rankings are updated on Monday, January 29, 2024. 

As for Sabalenka, she will remain World No. 2 as she successfully defends all of her 2000 ranking points. She maintains a healthy lead of 1705 points over Coco Gauff. 

The American will also achieve her career-high ranking as she rises to become the new World No. 3. The Belarusian now trails World No. 1 Iga Swiatek by 865 points, heating the race for the top spot in the rankings. 

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