Within the largest upset up to now on the 2025 Australian Open, world No. 5 and final 12 months’s finalist Zheng Qinwen was unable to beat the relentless aggression of Laura Siegemund, ranked 97th, shedding 7-6(3) 6-3 within the second spherical on John Cain Enviornment.
Siegemund, at 36 years outdated, performed a fearless match from begin to end, changing into the third-oldest participant to defeat a top-five WTA participant on the Australian Open previously three a long time. Notably, she joins Serena Williams, who completed the feat twice — at 39 years outdated in 2021 and at 37 in 2019.
Zheng’s efficiency was marred by moments of distraction, together with a time violation within the second set that value her a primary serve. The Chinese language admitted that it was not her day and later expressed frustration, explaining that she couldn’t clearly see the shot clock and that the violation disrupted her rhythm. “This is my fourth year in the tour, and never happen that to me,” mentioned Zheng concerning the incidence that threw her off fully. The Olympic gold medalist admitted she made poor tactical selections throughout key factors within the match.
Siegemund, brimming with confidence, executed her technique to perfection. She dictated the tempo early and bounced again rapidly after being damaged whereas serving for the primary set. Dominating the tiebreaker, she maintained her composure to safe the victory in straight units.
The win marked Siegemund as the primary unseeded German lady to beat a top-five seed on the Australian Open since 2003, when Marlene Weingartner upset Jennifer Capriati.
In the meantime, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka averted an analogous destiny. Going through a spirited problem from Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Sabalenka rallied from 5-2 down within the second set to safe a 6-3 7-5 victory within the second spherical.
