The legend of Qinwen Zheng continues to grow following her latest victory. Up against compatriot Yafan Wang in the third round, the World No. 15 clinched a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(8) win on the Rod Laver Arena in the morning session of Day-7.
The win takes Zheng into the fourth round of a Major for the third time in her career. The feat is special as she is currently playing just the 9th Grand Slam event of her career.
It was a close encounter between the two ladies as Zheng advances with a difference of a mere one point. Zheng won a total of 100 points to Wang’s 99. Although Zheng was dominant in her service firing 10 aces to Wang’s 1, the 21-year-old had 8 double faults and 48 unforced errors.
In comparison, Wang had only 2 double faults and 31 unforced errors. It all came down to the winners hit as Zheng hit double of Wang’s 20 winners.
Following the close encounter, Zheng was delighted and the mention of her childhood idol made her further happy. On-court interviewer Andrea Petkovic questioned her on Li Na, former World No. 2 and winner of the 2014 Australian Open, and Zheng spoke her heart out in showing her admiration for the former pro.
Of course because I was sitting there in front of the tv. I watched it from the beginning til the end. That final I watched more than 10 times. So I have a lot of memories. She’s unbelievable. The first Asian woman who won a grand slam. How could you not remember that? said Zheng speaking about Li Na.
Li Na defeated Dominika Cibulkova in the 2014 finals in straight sets to win her second career Major title. Her French Open title in 2011 had made her the first Asian player ever to win a Grand Slam title and the Australian Open title was cherry on the top.
Li Na gives a special surprise to Qinwen Zheng after her win
Minutes after her on-court interview where Qinwen Zheng paid her respects to Li Na, the youngster was given a huge surprise. During her media interaction within Melbourne Park, Zheng was given a small tap on her back by none other than Li Na, who then went on to give her a big hug.
The moment quickly went viral on social media for the heartwarming moment between the two Chinese players. After breaking away from their hug, the two were full of smiles and gave a combined interview as Zheng remained shocked by seeing her idol right in front of her.
The 12th seed will now take on Oceane Dodin in the fourth round, eyeing her second Major quarter-final. Dodin, the World No. 95, overcame compatriot Clara Burel in straight sets to reach the fourth round without dropping a single set so far.
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