Zheng bemoans time violation in Australian Open exit

Zheng revealed that she was distracted by a time violation in her loss to Laura Siegemund, and almost didn’t compete at this year’s Australian Open

Mike Frey-Imagn Images/Sipa USA/SIPA

Bren Gray

January 15, 2025

Zheng Qinwen losing to world No 97 Laura Siegemund in round two of the 2025 Australian Open – after making the final last year and winning gold at the Paris Olympics – was not on anyone’s bingo card this Wednesday in Melbourne.

While the 36-year-old Siegemund played inspired tennis for two hours and 16 minutes, showing her net prowess and getting after Zheng in rally play, the Chinese No 1 was clearly off her game in the 7-6(3), 6-3 loss.

Speaking to media afterwards, Zheng revealed that she was distracted by a time violation in the second set, and almost didn’t compete at this year’s Australian Open.

Time violation throws Zheng off

Serving at 1-2, 15-30 in the second set, Zheng was stripped of her first serve for a time violation. The incident clearly threw her off her game, with her subsequent serve falling a metre short of the net.

The double fault led to a break in serve, from which she never recovered, losing the second set 6-3.

“I was so surprised to get that second serve because never happen to me that before,” Zheng explained afterwards. “[This] is first time I have this situation about time violation. I think this is my fourth year in the Tour, and never happen that to me.”

She confessed that the situation didn’t sit well with her, and distracted her for the rest of the set.

“With my angle, the time was on the side, so I couldn’t see. If I bounce the ball, I couldn’t catch the time. So I don’t know if I’m late or I’m early.

“It’s better straight away to the wall instead of on the side. But, I mean, I get disturb from that one, but I don’t lose the match for that.

“Obviously that one really distract me from the match. I mean, in that moment the time violation distract me.”

Australian Open participation was in doubt for Zheng

Zheng also revealed that she has been carrying a physical issue, and almost did not compete at this year’s Australian Open.

“For me there is no chance to play a tournament before Australia Open this year because the time was so rush. I got some small issues after the WTA Finals.

“I was discuss with my team if we have to come to the Australian Open or no. I’m the one who’s forcing. My team say, No, I got come here and trying to play a slam.

“So that’s the tricky situation. This year there was no chance for me to play tournament before Australia Open because there’s some issues in my body didn’t solve yet.”