Shocking Exit: Erratic Zheng Qinwen crashes out of Australian Open as Laura Siegemund delivers Masterclass

Stunning Australian Open upset as Zheng Qinwen is eliminated by Laura Siegemund in an irregular performance by the 2023 finalist. The world No. 5 entered as one of the title favourites but never looked comfortable against the determined German, exiting the tournament in just the second round, 6-7(3), 3-6.

Siegemund, 36, showed confidence from the start and effectively neutralised Zheng’s baseline game. The Chinese player struggled mentally and was consistently off rhythm. The German capitalised on Zheng’s numerous errors and maintained impressive serving statistics to secure her first victory over a top-5 player since 2022.

Siegemund’s tactical brilliance topples Zheng Qinwen

In the opening set, Siegemund looked determined to challenge Zheng despite the heavy odds in favour of the Chinese player. The German consistently used slices and drop shots to disrupt Zheng's control from the baseline, with notable success in the first set.

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Siegemund displayed courage throughout the match, taking risks with complex shots under pressure. Her bold approach resulted in 20 winners and 22 unforced errors. While she held her own during long rallies, Zheng's serve often kept points short, making it difficult for Siegemund to extend exchanges.

Both players maintained their serves for much of the set. The pivotal ninth game saw Siegemund secure a break after a weak service game from Zheng. Although Siegemund served for the set, Zheng broke back effortlessly, levelling the score at 5-5.

The set reached a tiebreak, where Siegemund dominated after a balanced start, winning five consecutive points to clinch it 7-6(3). The German recorded an impressive 84% first serve success, winning 73% of those points, while Zheng fell short of her usual standards, achieving only 53% first serves and winning 67% of them.

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In the second set, Zheng continued to struggle, appearing increasingly unmotivated against a relentless opponent. Siegemund secured an early break, and although Zheng broke back briefly, she quickly lost serve again, allowing Siegemund a 4-1 lead.

Zheng’s body language reflected her frustration, far from her usual form and unable to find her rhythm against a tricky opponent. Despite defending her service games late in the set, Zheng failed to challenge Siegemund's serve, and the German secured a well-deserved 7-6(3), 6-3 victory.

Overcome with emotion, Siegemund collapsed on the court in celebration of her first win over a top-5 player since defeating Maria Sakkari in 2022. Her next opponent will be the winner between 27th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (No. 32) and Anastasia Potapova (No. 36).

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