World No. 15 Qinwen Zheng opens up about the road to the finals as she waits to appear at her very first Grand Slam final at the 2024 Australian Open.
The 12th-seeded player has had quite a memorable start to the 2024 season as she reaches the last step in hopes of a maiden Grand Slam title.
I remember the first round, you know, the reaction wasn't really there, you know, starting the match a little bit slow. Said the Chinese tennis player as she referred to her three set thriller against Ashlyn Krueger.
Nevertheless, she managed to win the match 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. She admitted that the more she played, the better she appeared to get. Zheng revealed that she had a tough contest against Brit Katie Boulter, another match she won, but this time in straight sets.
She also called her match against compatriot Yafan Wang to be the one filled with the most emotion. This year was vital for the Chinese players, as exactly 10 years ago, Li Na became the first East Asian woman to win the Australian Open.
However, Zheng came up on top, and onwards to her next match against Oceane Dodin.
Everything I hit was just inside and super good quality. I know if I play my tennis, I will get it. The reason why I lost the first set is because I didn't play my tennis there and I knew it. Said the Chinese woman as she registered another neat win in the fourth round.
In the quarterfinals, she was up to face Anna Kalinskaya. She further admitted that she had to change her mindset and play more aggressively and that this was what changed the direction of the game. The next was the semi-final match against Dayana Yastremska. She revealed that the energy from the crowd was vital in giving her the energy to play her best game.
The last point was absolutely stunning. My best match is the semi-final so far. Finally I start to feel my baseline game start to be there, serve is there. Said Zheng.
Ultimately, these rounds of learning and re-learning led to the Chinese player reaching her first Grand Slam final.
Qinwen Zheng talks about emotions running high ahead of her maiden Grand Slam final
Zheng is now the first Chinese tennis player since Li Na to reach the finals of a Grand Slam. Therefore, it is safe to say that World No.15 was absolutely overwhelmed upon reaching the final.
To be in my first Grand Slam final means like all my hard work finally pay off. My parents supported me since I was little. I know they were super happy. I'm sure when they see that, they will even start to cry, have tears in their eyes. Said Zheng, as a nod to her parents.
It is undoubtedly one of the most important matches in the Chinese tennis player’s life. She will hope to play her best game and have a chance to win a maiden Grand Slam.
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