Australian Open 2024: Qinwen Zheng prepares for final showdown against Aryna Sabalenka

Chinese tennis star Qinwen Zheng makes history by advancing to the Australian Open final, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Li Na.

Qinwen Zheng was overjoyed after making it to the final of the Australian Open 2024. On January 25, she defeated Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 6-4 at the Rod Laver Arena, becoming the first Chinese player to reach a Grand Slam final in 10 years, following in the footsteps of Li Na in 2014.

"It feels unbelievable. I'm super-excited to have such a great performance today and arrive in the final. That's my dream since I was a kid," Zheng said after the match.

A decade ago, Li Na won the women's singles final at Melbourne Park, her second singles major title after the 2011 French Open. Now, Zheng faces the formidable task of taking on World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka in the final on Saturday.

Ranked No.15 in the world, Zheng knows the challenge that lies ahead of her to win her first Grand Slam title. "Can't be more special than here in the Australian Open. I'm really happy, but I know there is still another fight to go," Zheng added.

In their previous encounter at the US Open 2023, Sabalenka defeated Zheng 6-1, 6-4. Sabalenka has been in top form at the Australian Open, not dropping a single set and recently becoming the first woman to reach back-to-back finals at Melbourne Park since Serena Williams in 2016 and 2017.

With Sabalenka brimming with confidence after her recent victory over USA's Coco Gauff in the semi-final, Zheng faces a tough battle ahead. Can she overcome the odds and make history for Chinese tennis once again? Only time will tell.

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