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Victor Petkov
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Zheng finds the key to beat qualifier Yastremska and reaches AO final
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The Chinese will play her first Grand Slam final against Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday

China’s Zheng Qinwen halted the remarkable journey of qualifier Dayana Yastremska at the Australian Open, securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory on Thursday to advance to her first Grand Slam final. In the upcoming final, she is set to face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.

The match unfolded with brief and intense points, following a similar pattern in both sets. Early breaks were exchanged, and in each set, the 12th seed Zheng secured an additional break in the seventh game. Zheng, who has dominated in aces more than any other woman at Melbourne Park during her journey to the final, aims to emulate her hero Li Na, who claimed the Australian Open crown a decade ago.

Throughout the semi-final, Zheng applied consistent pressure on Yastremska, unleashing cross-court winners from both wings. Yastremska, visibly affected and clutching her abdomen in pain, took a medical timeout. Upon returning to the court, the 23-year-old Ukrainian faced Zheng holding in the subsequent game but succumbed to errors, allowing Zheng to claim the first set.

The second set saw Zheng starting strongly, holding her first service game to love and securing an early break after a series of errors from Yastremska. Although the Ukrainian broke back immediately, Zheng regained the advantage with another break in the seventh game, capitalizing on a double fault from Yastremska and a shanked shot that flew long. Despite Yastremska bravely holding her serve, Zheng sealed the match with an unreturnable serve.