Zheng makes history, faces Serena in semis

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-02 07:37

Zheng Jie returns the ball to Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic during their match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London yesterday. Zheng became the first Chinese player to reach the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament by beating Vaidisova 6-2, 5-7, 6-1. Reuters

LONDON: Zheng Jie created history at Wimbledon yesterday, becoming the first Chinese player to reach the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament.

The Chinese ace beat Nicole Vaidisova, of the Czech Republic, 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 to set up a semifinal clash with former winner Serena Williams of the US.

Earlier, Zheng had put paid top seed Ana Ivanovic's hopes of winning her first Wimbledon crown. She beat Hungary's Agnes Szavay in the fourth round on Monday.

The 24-year-old Zheng also becomes the first wild-card entrant to reach the semifinals at the All England Club and the second at any Grand Slam.

Zheng, playing at Wimbledon for only the third time, is now just two wins away from completing a dream run.

Zheng broke Vaidisova twice in the opening set, both times when the Czech double faulted on break point. Zheng, in turn, saved six break points in the set.

China Daily - Agencies

(China Daily 07/02/2008 page1)