Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka survived a first Australian Open test, but last year’s beaten finalist Zheng Qinwen suffered a shock second-round exit. The Chinese star reached her first grand slam showpiece here last year before going on to win Olympic gold and establish herself as one of the best players in the world.

Aryna Sabalenka is not entirely shocked about the sudden demise of Zheng Qinwen who failed to make it to the third round after losing to the tricky German, Laura Siegemund.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka held on for a tough second-round win at the Australian Open on Wednesday, but last year's finalist Zheng Qinwen became the first Top 10 seed to fall this week.

Qinwen Zheng, the No. 5 seed and 2024 Australian Open runner-up, was handed a shocking second-round defeat by world No. 97 Laura Siegemund on Wednesday.

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.

Aryna Sabalenka overcame a tough challenge to advance at the Australian Open, defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Meanwhile, Laura Siegemund shocked Zheng Qinwen, the Paris Olympic gold medalist, ending her title pursuit.