Zhu Lin reaches Australian Open third round, setting new career best

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Zhu Lin of China reacts after winning a point in the women's singles third-round match against Maria Sakkari of Greece during the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, January 21, 2023. /CFP

Zhu Lin of China upset the No. 6 seed Maria Sakkari of Greece 7-6 (3), 1-6 and 6-4 in the women's singles third-round match in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Saturday, advancing to the Round of 16 and setting a new personal record in the Grand Slam tournament.

"Is this real? Am I in a dream?" Zhu said on the center court of the Margaret Court Arena.

Zhu, whose 29th birthday will be on women's singles final day next Saturday, couldn't hold back her tears after her hard-fought win.

Later, Zhu told reporters that it was a tough match, not only physically but also mentally.

Zhu Lin of China celebrates winning a point during the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, January 21, 2023. /CFP

"She (Sakkari) is a real fighter. She never gives up and has reasons to be in the top 10. But today, I just kept pushing, being aggressive, playing my tennis and believing in myself. I'm so happy I did it," Zhu said.

The Chinese player had never got beyond the second round previously at Melbourne Park – or any other Slam – but now finds herself facing the 2012 and 2013 champion Victoria Azarenka of Belarus for a place in the quarter-finals.

"It's just I have to believe in myself that I have the ability to be able to play at this high level and I need to work hard every day.

"And, yeah, who knows what's going to happen? You never know."

(With input from agencies)