In the biggest upset so far at the 2025 Australian Open, world No. 5 and last year’s finalist Zheng Qinwen was unable to overcome the relentless aggression of Laura Siegemund, ranked 97th, losing 7-6(3) 6-3 in the second round on John Cain Arena.
Siegemund, at 36 years old, played a fearless match from start to finish, becoming the third-oldest player to defeat a top-five WTA player at the Australian Open in the past three decades. Notably, she joins Serena Williams, who accomplished the feat twice — at 39 years old in 2021 and at 37 in 2019.
Zheng’s performance was marred by moments of distraction, including a time violation in the second set that cost her a first serve. The Chinese 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,” said Zheng about the incidence that threw her off completely. The Olympic gold medalist admitted she made poor tactical decisions during key points in the match.
Siegemund, brimming with confidence, executed her strategy to perfection. She dictated the tempo early and bounced back quickly after being broken while serving for the first set. Dominating the tiebreaker, she maintained her composure to secure the victory in straight sets.
The win marked Siegemund as the first unseeded German woman to beat a top-five seed at the Australian Open since 2003, when Marlene Weingartner upset Jennifer Capriati.
Meanwhile, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka avoided a similar fate. Facing a spirited challenge from Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Sabalenka rallied from 5-2 down in the second set to secure a 6-3 7-5 victory in the second round.
