Laura Siegemund Stuns Qinwen Zheng at the Australian Open

In a thrilling upset at Melbourne Park, Laura Siegemund eliminated Olympic Gold Medalist Qinwen Zheng in a stunning victory of 7-6(3) 6-3. This marks Siegemund’s biggest Grand Slam triumph to date, as she defeated the No. 5 seed and last year’s finalist in a match that showcased her tactical brilliance and resilience. The victory was made even more special by the presence of her coach and partner, Antonio Zucca, who celebrated with her courtside at John Cain Arena.

Siegemund’s upset over Zheng marked the first top-five seed exit of the 2025 Australian Open and a remarkable milestone for the 36-year-old German, who will turn 37 in a few weeks. Her well-executed game plan and nerves of steel proved too much for one of the most in-form players of the past year.

A Tactical Masterclass

Qinwen Zheng, the reigning Olympic champion, entered the match as a favorite, but Siegemund’s disruptive tactics turned the tide. The Chinese tennis star, who fought back from an early 0-2 deficit, unraveled in a pivotal moment of the second set. At 1-2, 15-30, the 22-year-old received a second-time violation for failing to serve within the allotted time, leading to a loss of her first serve. She then double-faulted twice, gifting Siegemund the crucial break for 3-1.

Despite moments of brilliance—including an ace to save a breakpoint—Zheng could not recover. Siegemund held her nerve to close out the match, capitalizing on Zheng’s 31 forced errors while committing only 13 of her own. The German’s ability to exploit the Chinese vulnerabilities, including her disrupted serve rhythm and frequent toss rethrows, was instrumental in her victory.

Laura Siegemund’s Standout Win

Laura Siegemund has begun 2025 with renewed vigor, displaying the versatility and strategic acumen that have defined her career. Her sharp baseline rhythm and judicious use of drop shots kept Zheng off balance throughout the match. In the first set, the Chinese tennis star managed seven aces and held off the German tennis star in tight moments. However, her serve faltered in the second set, delivering only four aces and two costly double faults during the deciding game.

Siegemund’s serving stats were a highlight, with 80% of her first serves finding their mark compared to Zheng’s 56 percent. The German also won 69% of points behind her first serve, outpacing Zheng’s 64%. Her tactical use of slices and drop shots culminated in the match’s final point: a short chip that forced the Chinese women into an error, sending the crowd into a frenzy as Siegemund dropped to the court in triumph.