Zheng Qinwen is out of the Australian Open after a shock defeat to Germany’s Laura Siegemund. Zheng, the No. 5 seed and last year’s beaten finalist, lost 7-6(3), 6-3 after her serve unraveled in the fourth game of the second set.

Last year's runner-up Zheng Qinwen was sent crashing out of the Australian Open second round on Wednesday as her bid to emulate Chinese compatriot Li Na's 2014 triumph evaporated after a shock 7-6(3) 6-3 defeat by unseeded German Laura Siegemund.

Zheng Qinwen, last year’s beaten Australian Open finalist, became the highest seed to fall so far in this year’s tournament after she was stunned by world No. 97 Laura Siegemund in the second round.

In the Australian Open Round of 64 on Tuesday, we have a matchup of No. 5-ranked Qinwen Zheng versus No. 97 Laura Siegemund.In her most recent time out, Siegemund was defeated by Yuliia

Distracted by a time penalty and unable to counteract No. 97-ranked Laura Siegemund's aggressive approach, Zheng Qinwen's loss in the second round Wednesday fell a long way short of last year's run to the Australian Open final.

Rising star Qinwen Zheng lost in the second round to 36-year-old Laura Siegemund, ranked 97. How did the German unseat last year's finalist?

Zheng Qinwen hits a return during the women's singles 2nd round match between Zheng Qinwen of China and Laura Siegemund of Germany at Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

Novak Djokovic betters a record previously held by Roger Federer after progress for Aryna Sabalenka, who beat Zheng in last year’s final.

Last year’s beaten finalist Zheng Qinwen blamed the lack of a warm-up event and a serve clock violation for her shock Australian Open 2025 exit in straight sets to German veteran Laura Siegemund on Wednesday.