Zheng Qinwen serves against Aryna Sabalenka during their women's singles final match of the Australian Open in Melbourne on January 27, 2024. Photo: VCG

Rod Laver Arena, located in Melbourne, Australia, witnessed Chinese tennis player Li Na lifting the Australian Open trophy 10 years ago. Now it welcomes another signature moment for Chinese tennis.

Recently, at the 2024 Australian Open, 21-year-old Chinese "Golden Flower" Zheng Qinwen reached the Grand Slam final for the first time. Although she was ultimately defeated by the ­defending champion, Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka, Zheng's career has entered a new stage, and her world ranking will rise to seventh.

"My dream is not just to enter the Grand Slam final. I'm only one step away from winning, but this step might be very far. I haven't reached the final destination yet, so I still need to keep pushing," Zheng said.

Perhaps the new peak for Zheng and Chinese tennis is not far away.

Strength and luck

Looking back at this Australian Open, Zheng, seeded 12th, triumphed all the way. In the first round, she came from behind to defeat Ashlyn Krueger, then went on to beat Katie Boulter. In the third round, Zheng faced Wang Yafan, where the two Chinese players staged an exciting "Chinese Derby," battling to a decisive set super tie-break, with Zheng finally securing the victory.

Reaching the final required not just immense skills but also a bit of luck. In the upper half of the draw, where Zheng was placed, the world No.1 Iga Swiatek of Poland, and the runner-up of the previous Australian Open, Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, were both upset early, clearing the path for Zheng's advancement. 

Subsequently, Zheng successively defeated Oceane Dodin of France, Anna Kalinskaya of Russia, and Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine to ultimately make it to the final.

In the battle against Sabalenka, Zheng showed a gap in strength and experience. Facing the rival's aggressive play, Zheng was at a disadvantage in many instances. 

Despite being behind on the scoreboard, Zheng remained calm and resilient. She served six aces in the match, totaling 54 aces for the tournament, the highest among female players. While at the end of the second set, Zheng saved four championship points in a row, showcasing her poise and steadiness to the fans.

"This was my first Grand Slam final. Although the result was a bit of a shame, it was quite also an experience for me. I really enjoyed this Australian Open. It was a wonderful memory," Zheng said at the award ceremony, expressing mixed feelings because she believed she could have played better.

Sabalenka also had words of praise for Zheng. "You will have many opportunities in the future, and you will definitely win your own Grand Slam championship." 

A year ago, the 25-year-old Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam championship at the Australian Open, which was her 20th Grand Slam main draw appearance. Now Zheng has reached the final in her ninth Grand Slam main draw appearance, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for this Chinese tennis star.

A general view of Rod Laver Arena during the women's singles final match between Zheng Qinwen and Aryna Sabalenka at the 2024 Australian Open on January 27, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia Photos: VCG

A more mature mindset

After the final, Zheng sat by the court, covering her face with a towel and cried for a long time.

Entering a Grand Slam final at a young age and becoming the second Chinese player after Li to break into the world's top 10. For many, this would be a moment to leave the court with a smile, but Zheng was neither satisfied nor content.

"I always feel I could have done better, but I didn't achieve that today. I need time to cool my mind," Zheng said. 

"I think winning the championship would meet my expectations. It didn't happen, which means I indeed have much to improve on. Perhaps I need to work harder on the court, both mentally and personally."

A year ago, Zheng set a goal for herself to break into the world's top 10. Last season, she experienced highs including winning two tour titles and winning at the Asian Games, as well as lows like a first-round exit at Wimbledon and ending her partnership with her former coach. Despite not achieving her goal last season, the ups and downs on and off the court have taught Zheng how to adjust herself and develop a strong mindset.

"More expectations bring more pressure. If I want to become a true top player, I need to learn how to face them calmly," Zheng said. 

"I know I have the ability to achieve my goals, but I also need to learn to slow down and make progress step by step."

As her coach Pere Riba, who has rejoined her team for the new season, said Zheng's determination and growth have been evident to him. "I've never seen a player as hardworking as Zheng. You can imagine the kind of dreams she harbors in her heart; she truly wants to reach the top of professional tennis, and her efforts deserve it," he said.

Continuing to shine

During this Australian Open, Zheng met her childhood idol, Li. She mentioned more than once in interviews how Li's victory at the Australian Open 10 years ago inspired her.

"I've watched that match no less than ten times," said Zheng. "It was Li Na who planted the seed of this dream in my heart."

Ten years ago, at just 11 years old, Zheng began her tennis training in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei Province. Li's Australian Open championship gave Zheng and other young players of Chinese tennis inspiration, hopes and confidence. 

"Before Li Na won, you would feel that stage was beyond reach. Once she broke through that barrier, it became something we could achieve," Zheng said. 

In 2018, during the Wimbledon tournament in the UK, Zheng, along with players like Wang Xinyu and Wang Xiyu, met Li, and the idol's affirmation gave her great encouragement. Nowstepping onto the land of dreams again, Li's advice to Zheng was simple and practical. 

"She told me not to think too much, just play," Zheng said with a smile, acknowledging that this is precisely what she needs to focus on now.

The surprises for Chinese tennis at this Australian Open kept coming. 

Nine players competed in the men's and women's singles main draws, and the Rod Laver Arena hosted the first "Chinese Derby"; 18-year-old Shang Juncheng advanced to the third round of the men's singles, creating the best result for a Chinese Tennis Association (CTA) player at the Australian Open; Zhang Zhizhen, partnering with Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic, reached the men's doubles semifinals, achieving another breakthrough... Currently, seven CTA players have entered the top 100 in women's singles, with Zhang becoming the first CTA player to break into the top 50 in the men's singles world rankings.

In Zheng's view, the outstanding performance of Chinese players signifies that "the peak of Chinese tennis has arrived." In the realm of tennis in China, Zheng has already become one of the brightest stars. On the future Grand Slam stages, "Queen Wen" will continue to shine.