Australian Open 2024: Qinwen Zheng braces herself for one last ‘fight’ in final against Aryna Sabalenka

Qinwen Zheng was on cloud 9 after she advanced to the final of the Australian Open 2024. On Thursday, January 25, the Chinese star defeated Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 6-4 at the Rod Laver Arena.

The 21-year-old also became the first Chinese player to advance to the final of a Grand Slam after 10 years since Li Na back in 2014.

“It feels unbelievable. I’m super-excited to have such a great performance today and arrive in the final. That’s my dream since I was a kid,” Zheng was quoted as saying after the match.

10 years ago, Li Na beat Dominika Cibulkova 7-6 (3), 6-0 in the women’s singles final at Melbourne Park. It happened to be her second singles major title after the 2011 French Open.

However, a stiff task lies ahead of Zheng for her to replicate her Chinese hero. Zheng will next be up against World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka in the final on Saturday, January 25.

Zheng, who is ranked No.15 in the world, understands the hurdle she has in front of her to win her maiden Grand Slam title.

“Can’t be more special than here in the Australian Open. I’m really happy, but I know there is still another fight to go,” Zheng added.

Has Zheng beaten Sabalenka ever?

Zheng and Sabalenka have faced each other only once back in the quarterfinal of the US Open 2023 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Back then, Sabalenka defeated Zheng 6-1, 6-4 to come up trumps. Sabalenka converted 3 of his 7 break point chances and did not give Zheng even a single opportunity to break her serve.

Sabalenka is yet to drop a single set in the ongoing Australian Open, having also won 3 sets 6-0, two of which came against Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko.

Sabalenka recently became the first woman to reach back-to-back finals at Melbourne Park since Serena Williams (2016 and 2017). Sabalenka will be brimming with confidence after beating USA’s Coco Gauff in straight sets in the semi-final.