Zheng Qinwen Upset by Laura Siegemund at Australian Open

In a major upset at the Australian Open, last year's finalist and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen was defeated by German veteran Laura Siegemund, ranked 97th in the world, with a score of 7-6 (3), 6-3. Zheng, the fifth seed, struggled with concentration and time violations during the match, which affected her performance, particularly during crucial moments in the second set. Siegemund, nearly 37 years old, showcased resilience and skill, particularly with 11 return winners in the first set, to secure her place in the third round. This unexpected defeat marks Zheng as the highest seed to exit the tournament early. Meanwhile, top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula progressed, with Sabalenka aiming for a third consecutive title following a tough match. Siegemund's victory is her first major win over a top player in nearly three years, underscoring her strategic play and determination on the court.