China’s Qinwen Zheng has triumphed in the semi-final singles match against Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine, securing her spot in the 2024 Australian Open Final. Notably, Zheng is the first person from China to reach a Grand Slam final in a decade.
Growing up inspired by the achievements of the last Chinese Grand Slam winner, Li Na, Zheng’s journey to the final has been marked by dedication and a poignant backstory. An emotional connection with Li, who surprised her during an interview, adds a unique touch to her rise in the tennis world.
Before delving into her current success, it’s essential to understand Zheng’s heart-wrenching childhood, brilliantly captured by Matt Futterman.
At the tender age of seven, she was taken to Wuhan by her father to showcase her talent to a higher-level coach, unaware that she would be staying there alone.
Following a challenging 2023 season disrupted by Naomi Osaka’s return, Zheng regrouped with coach Pere Riba, aiming for a fresh start.
Her path to the final has been relatively smooth, avoiding top-50 opponents but spending over 11 hours on the court, showcasing resilience.
Zheng’s playing style, characterized by fluid movement and a powerful forehand, has garnered attention.
With a height of 5ft 10in (178cm), she utilizes her entire frame to deliver precise shots, notably her slicing forehand, evident in the 165 winners she has hit during the past two weeks.
Not just a one-dimensional player, Zheng boasts a formidable serve, leading the women’s draw with 48 aces in the tournament. However, her mental game is an area of focus, as she acknowledges the challenge of overthinking during matches.
As Zheng prepares for the Australian Open Final, the Rod Laver Arena is poised to echo with shouts of “jiayou” (meaning “vamos” in Mandarin), reflecting the anticipation of fans as she aims to follow in Li Na’s footsteps and secure victory at Melbourne Park. Despite the excitement, the advice resonates: don’t think too much, just focus on the game at hand.
