In an exciting turn of events at the Australian Open 2024, Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska and Chinese 12th seed Zheng Qinwen are set to face off in the semi-finals, with both players vying for their first Grand Slam final appearance. The winner of this match will go on to battle either defending champion Aryna Sabalenka or US Open winner Coco Gauff in the finals.

23-year-old Dayana Yastremska has been a force to be reckoned with throughout the tournament, causing major upsets by defeating three of the top 32 seeded players. Following a dominant performance against Czech teenager Linda Noskova, Yastremska has become the first qualifier since Emma Raducanu to reach a Grand Slam semi-final. She is now just two wins away from creating her own unique feat and matching Raducanu's remarkable achievement.

Unlike Raducanu, Yastremska already has an impressive track record on the WTA Tour. In January 2020, she reached a career-high ranking of 21st in the world. However, a six-month provisional ban for a failed doping test, which was later lifted, and the turmoil caused by the war in Ukraine led to a decline in her rankings. Yastremska and her sister were forced to flee their home city of Odessa after it was targeted by missiles during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They spent harrowing nights in an underground car park before seeking refuge in France. Yastremska's mother Maryna has been accompanying her on her tennis journey, providing a much-needed source of support and calmness.

On the other side of the court, 21-year-old Zheng Qinwen from China seeks to emulate the trailblazing Li Na, who won the Australian Open in 2014. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Li Na's historic victory, making it a fitting and inspiring moment for Zheng to strive for her own triumph. Known for her aggressive baseline play and strong serve, Zheng aims to become only the second Chinese woman to secure the Australian Open title.

As the stage is set for an enthralling encounter between Yastremska and Zheng, both players carry incredible personal stories and aspirations. While Yastremska looks to match Raducanu's unprecedented success, Zheng draws motivation from the historic achievements of Li Na. Tennis fans around the world eagerly await to witness the determination and skill of these two remarkable athletes as they compete for a spot in the Australian Open finals.