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 exit in straight sets to German veteran Laura Siegemund on Wednesday.

“I tried not to do too many fancy things, but really stick with my clear plan,” is how Laura Siegemund explained her second-round upset of Zheng Qinwen, the second-place finisher at last year’s Australian Open.

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.

Last year’s Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen has crashed out in a huge upset in the second round at Melbourne Park to unfancied German veteran Laura Siegemund. The fifth-seeded Zheng came into the first major of 2025 in imperious form.

German veteran Laura Siegemund has powered past reigning Australian Open finalist Qinwen Zheng in straight sets to deliver the most dramatic upset of the first four days at Melbourne Park.

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.

The German veteran gave heartfelt thanks to partner Antonio Zucca, who also serves as her coach, after shocking 2024 finalist Zheng Qinwen on John Cain Arena Wendesday afternoon.

Zheng Qinwen admits it was not her day as she was beaten in the Australian Open second round in the biggest shock of the tournament so far.

Laura Siegemund of Germany plays a backhand return to Zheng Qinwen of China during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15 ...

John Cain Arena, Melbourne, January 17, 2025 - Match Report 'Game by Game' Round 3 Australia Open: Anastasia PAVLYUCHENKOVA vs. Laura SIEGEMUND . Laura Siegemund and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova met in a lopsided third-round match at the Australian Open today.

Zheng Qinwen of China reacts during her second round match against Laura Siegemund of Germany at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.