In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Zheng Qinwen secured her spot in the Australian Open semi-finals after overcoming Russian Anna Kalinskaya in a hard-fought battle.
Nerve-Wracking Start: Kalinskaya’s Quarterfinal Debut
Russian player Anna Kalinskaya faced a nerve-wracking start in her first Grand Slam quarter-final, struggling with serve inconsistencies. Despite initial setbacks, Kalinskaya managed to keep the match competitive in the early stages.
Zheng’s Resilience: Overcoming Setback to Seal Victory
Despite losing the first set, Chinese 12th seed Zheng Qinwen showcased her resilience by breaking Kalinskaya’s serve, taking a 5-3 lead in the second set. Zheng’s baseline strokes and unwavering focus enabled her to level the contest, ultimately securing a 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-1 victory.
Zheng’s Take on the Match: Focus and Excitement
Reflecting on her performance, Zheng praised her opponent’s quality and acknowledged the tough competition in the first set. Her determination to stay focused and avoid dwelling on setbacks proved crucial to her success.
“She played really good today, especially good with baseline strokes,” said Zheng, who can emulate her idol Li Na by winning the trophy at Melbourne Park. “In the first set, we had a big good competition, the match was very tough for me. I just told myself, ‘stay focused, don’t think about the first. I’m so happy right now, really excited.”
Yastremska’s Fairytale Run Continues
In the other semi-final matchup, Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska continued her fairytale run at the Australian Open. She became the first women’s qualifier in 45 years to reach the semi-finals, defeating Czech teen Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-4.
“I was just trying to enjoy playing here,” Yastremska expressed after her victory, highlighting the joy she finds in the game.
Anticipation Builds: Zheng vs. Yastremska Clash
The stage is now set for an exhilarating semi-final clash between Zheng Qinwen and Dayana Yastremska. Tennis enthusiasts await a thrilling encounter as these two formidable players vie for a spot in the Australian Open final.
As the tournament progresses, each match adds to the excitement, and the prospect of new champions emerging keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for the latest updates and the unfolding drama at Melbourne Park.
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