Zheng Qinwen of China celebrates after defeating Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine (not pictured) in the singles semifinal at Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, January 25, 2024. /CFP
China's top-ranked tennis player, Zheng Qinwen, has reached her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open after beating Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday.
The 12th-seeded Zheng, 21, thus becomes the second player from China to reach the Australian Open final after Li Na was crowned champion in Melbourne 10 years ago.
Zheng will face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in their singles final on January 27.
The 25-year-old Belarusian defeated American Coco Gauff 7-6 (2), 6-4 in another semifinal on Thursday.
Zheng Qinwen (R) of China greets Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine after their singles semifinal at Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, January 25, 2024. /CFP
A review of Zheng Qinwen's historic run at Australian Open as of January 25, 2024
First round: Zheng 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 Ashlyn Krueger of the U.S. on January 16
Second round: Zheng 6-3, 6-3 Katie Boulter of UK on January 18
Third round: Zheng 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (8) Wang Yafan of China on January 20
Fourth round: Zheng 6-0, 6-3 Oceane Dodin of France on January 22
Quarterfinal: Zheng 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-1 Anna Kalinskaya of Russia on January 24
Semifinal: Zheng 6-4, 6-4 Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine on January 25
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Zheng Qinwen breaks into world Top 10 for first time after impressive Australian Open run
Zheng Qinwen reaches first Grand Slam singles semifinals at Australian Open 2024