Melbourne (AFP) – Zheng Qinwen stormed into the Australian Open quarter-finals for the first time on Monday, looking to match his exploits at last year’s US Open after taking advice from Chinese great player Li Na.
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The 12th seed, nicknamed “Queen Wen” by her fans, defeated unseeded Ocean Dodin 6-0, 6-3 in less than an hour at Rod Laver Arena. He showed dimensional strength.
This set her up for a showdown with another unseeded player, Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya, making the newcomer certain to reach the semi-finals at Melbourne Park.
The match was broadcast on prime time in China, and Zheng, who is only 21, said he was trying not to take any pressure.
“At first, I felt like it was a responsibility and sometimes pressure. But now I’m trying not to think too much and just focus on playing every day and focusing on myself,” she said.
“Of course, I’m really happy that there are so many fans here in China and around the world who come to support me here in front of the TV.”
China’s brightest young tennis star has climbed the rankings to reach No. 15 in the world and is aiming for a breakthrough in 2023.
She won her first WTA title in Palermo, her second title late in the season in Zhengzhou, reached the top eight at the US Open and won gold at the Asian Games.
Chung draws inspiration from Li’s victory in the 2014 Australian Open final.
Her idol returned to Melbourne this week and met up with Ms Zheng after the third round match, marking the first time they spoke directly.
“Obviously I have more experience the second time (in the last eight of a Grand Slam) and I’m just telling myself to focus on the moment.
“Li Na advised me, “Don’t think too much, just play.”
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