Australian Open: China’s Zheng Qinwen looking to emulate Li Na, finally beat Aryna Sabalenka

There seemed a touch of destiny when Zheng Qinwen made the Australian Open final last year a decade on from when trailblazing compatriot Li Na hoisted the women’s trophy aloft.

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Zheng ended up being crushed by nemesis Aryna Sabalenka in the decider but this year will hope to go one better and join Li as the second Chinese player to win a grand slam singles title.

Li’s achievements gave rise to predictions of Chinese domination in women’s tennis fuelled by a generation of young girls inspired to pick up racquets.

Ten years on from the twice grand slam champion’s retirement it has not quite come to pass, but China are well-represented at the highest levels, with four women in the top 100.

Zheng, ranked fifth in the world and seeded fifth at Melbourne Park, is the stand-out among them.

Aryna Sabalenka kisses the trophy after beating Zheng Qinwen in the Australian Open final. Photo: AP

Having won the Olympic singles gold medal in Paris, a prize that eluded Li, Zheng has shown she has the mentality to match the raw power to win on the biggest stages.

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