China's Qinwen sets up Australian Open final against Sabalenka

China's Zheng Qinwen celebrates victory against the Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska in Thursday’s Australian Open semi-final in Melbourne Photo: AFP

Zheng Qinwen Secures Historic Victory, Advances to Australian Open Final

In a remarkable display, Zheng Qinwen breezed past Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska on Thursday, making history as the first Chinese finalist at the Australian Open in a decade. The 12th seed, poised to enter the top 10 in the upcoming rankings, showcased a controlled performance on Rod Laver Arena, claiming victory with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-4 in just one hour and 42 minutes.

Qinwen's achievement marks the first time a Chinese player has reached the final at Melbourne Park since Li Na, her idol, who clinched the tournament in 2014. The 21-year-old, who had never advanced beyond the quarter-finals in a Grand Slam before, expressed her excitement, stating, "I'm super excited to have such a great performance today and arrive in the final."

In the evening clash, Yastremska initially broke serve but struggled with four double faults in the next game, surrendering her advantage. Backed by strong support from the Chinese crowd, Zheng secured another break in the seventh game, taking the first set. Yastremska left the court for apparent treatment of a stomach issue during and after the set.

The Ukrainian, aiming to become the second qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final in the Open Era after Emma Raducanu in 2021, faced challenges in the second set. Zheng broke her serve in the third game, and although Yastremska managed to level at 2-2, Zheng's decisive break in the seventh game secured her advancement to the final.

Zheng Qinwen will now face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday's final, setting the stage for an enthralling conclusion to the women's singles competition.

In the earlier semifinal, world No. 2 Sabalenka secured her spot in the final by defeating US fourth seed Coco Gauff with a score of 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. Sabalenka remains on track for a title defense in Melbourne.