Zheng, who as of Monday is at least seventh (sixth in terms of titles) in the WTA rankings and is moving into the top ten for the first time, had to go over three sets three times. In the biggest game of her career so far, the world number 15 has to. but show more in a playful way. Sabalenka has shown confident performances in Melbourne so far, hasn’t lost a set yet and defeated, among others, Coco Gauff (USA/4) in two sets 7:6 (7/2) 6:4 in the semifinals.
“She has the hardest shots on the tour, the strongest serve, the strongest forehand. “She’s a really complete player,” Zheng praised her opponent. The Chinese speaks from experience, as she lost her only duel so far in the US Open quarter-finals last year with 1:6 4:6.
Reuters/USA Today Sports/Mike Frey Sabalenka is aiming for a successful title defense in Melbourne
While Zheng is contesting her first major final, Sabalenka is already experienced: the 25-year-old, second in the world rankings, has at least reached the semifinals in the last six majors. If Sabalenka successfully defends her title, she will draw level with her compatriot Victoria Asarenka, who triumphed twice in a row in Melbourne in 2012 and 2013.
So Zheng knows what to expect in the final. The world number 15. However, with the support of the two-time Grand Slam winner Li, she still has the courage to pull off a surprise. “She told me not to think too much,” Zheng said of an exchange with Li, who triumphed in Australia in 2014 and delighted audiences with her funny interviews.
Australian Open
Tableau Damen
Zheng raves about Li as a role model
Li has not lost her funny nature and her humor to this day. As Zheng was giving interviews on the media center terrace after her third-round win, Li snuck up from the side and nudged her compatriot in the back. It was the first personal meeting between the two. “She looks even better than on TV,” Zheng said with a laugh afterwards.
When Li won the final against Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova ten years ago, Zheng watched the game as a fan at a tennis club in her home country. “That was a very special moment,” she said. “She gave many Chinese children courage and hope. From that moment on I dreamed of being in the final here one day.”
Li’s successes have made tennis really popular among children and young people in China. The giant empire is now reaping the rewards. There are currently seven players from China in the top 100.
Australian Open in Melbourne
Aryna Sabalenka (BLR/2) Zheng Qinwen (CHN/12) -:- -:- Semifinal: Zheng Qinwen (CHN/12) Dajana Jastremska (UKR) 6:4 6:4 Aryna Sabalenka (BLR/2) Coco Gauff (USA/4) 7:6 (7/2) 6:4 Quarterfinal-Table: Dajana Jastremska (UKR) Linda Noskova (CZE) 6:3 6:4 Zheng Qinwen (CHN/12) Anna Kalinskaja (RUS) :7 (4/7) 6:3 6:1 Coco Gauff (USA/4) Marta Kostjuk (UKR) 7:6 (8/6) 6:7 (3/7) 6:2 Aryna Sabalenka (BLR/2). ) Barbora Krejcikova (CZE/9) 6:2 6:3
2024-01-26 19:14:15
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