The Chinese appeared nervous and stressed in the first set, which Kalinskaja won in a tiebreak. Then Zheng found a better rhythm and was able to relax with his heavy precise groundstrokes.
– I told myself to focus and not think about the first set. I’m so happy to have reached the semifinals, especially after such a good performance, said 13th-ranked Zheng in the on-court interview.
In the stands at Rod Laver Arena sat the 85-year-old man who gave his name to the center court at Melbourne Park.
– I know who it is, but I was so focused that I didn’t see that he was watching. I’m happy that such a legend came here to see me, said Zheng, who was informed that she will rise from 13 in the ranking and reach the top 10 for the first time.
Can reach sixth place with victory
“Queen Zheng”, as it was written on some signs in the audience, is currently tenth in the ranking and, as the winner of the tournament, can reach sixth place. 21-year-old Zheng was unaware of the statistics.
– Thank you for letting me know, no one tells me anything. Last year I said I wanted to be top 10 in the Australian Open and now I’m here, says Zheng who won ten of the last eleven games.
25-year-old Kalinskaja will rise to place 38, a lift of 37 places in the ranking. In her four previous starts at the Australian Open main draw, she has been knocked out in the first round.
She lost her stride early in the fourth set and received a medical timeout at 1-4 in the third set.