NEW DELHI: Zheng Qinwen overcame a slow start to secure a commanding victory over Russian Anna Kalinskaya with a scoreline of 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-1 in Melbourne on Wednesday. This triumph propels the Chinese 12th seed into the semi-finals of the Australian Open for the first time.
The match saw a nervous start from Kalinskaya, who, in her first Grand Slam quarter-final, conceded the opening break with a double fault.However, Zheng’s response was immediate, and both players struggled with their serves, resulting in a closely contested set that eventually went to a tiebreak.
Despite facing pressure, Zheng found herself down a set when she hit a forehand wide, providing Kalinskaya with two opportunities to claim the set. The Russian capitalised on the opportunity, securing the first set with a well-placed backhand winner.
However, Zheng rebounded impressively, taking control in the subsequent sets with a 6-3, 6-1 turnaround. This victory marks Zheng Qinwen’s historic entry into the Australian Open semi-finals, where she will vie for a spot in the tournament’s final against Dayana Yastremska.
“She played really good today, especially good with baseline strokes,” said Zheng, who can emulate her idol Li Na by winning the trophy at Melbourne Park.
“In the first set, we had a big good competition, the match was very tough for me. I just told myself, ‘stay focused, don’t think about the first. I’m so happy right now, really excited.”
In the second set, Zheng broke her 25-year-old opponent to take a 5-3 lead before leveling the contest at one set apiece. During this phase, Zheng showcased top-quality tennis, demonstrating her resilience and skill on the court. In the decisive third set, she continued her strong performance by breaking Kalinskaya without losing a point in the third game.
Facing a double break deficit, Kalinskaya required a medical timeout for a right leg problem. Despite this setback, she attempted a late fightback at deuce while trailing 4-1.
However, the 21-year-old Zheng maintained her focus, ensuring that Kalinskaya’s comeback attempt did not materialise. Zheng went on to extend her lead further and ultimately secured the victory, advancing to the semis.
“It’s the first time (in the semi-finals) for me,” Zheng said. “I’m really happy to be in the semis, especially with such a good performance like this.”
Victory also meant the WTA’s most improved player of 2023 will break into the top 10 after the year’s first major.
“That’s good news for me, another motivation for me,” Zheng added. “Last year at the Australian Open I said I wanted to be top 10 and now I am.”
(With Reuters inputs)