Zheng Jie became the first Chinese player to reach the semifinals at the Australian Open when she eased past Maria Kirilenko of Russia 6-1, 6-3 on Tuesday.

Zheng, a surprise Wimbledon 2008 semifinalist, will next face former world number one Justine Henin, who is playing her first Grand Slam tournament after returning from an 18-month retirement. The Belgian defeated Russian No. 19 seed Nadia Petrova 7-6(3), 7-5 in another fourth-round match.

 Zheng Jie of China celebrates one point during the women's singles quarterfinal match against Maria Kirilenko of Russia in 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 26, 2010. Zheng won 2-0

"Henin, for me, is such a good player," Zheng said. "She's so strong mentally -- I just want to go out there and enjoy the match and play well."

The unseeded Zheng has knocked out seeded players in three consecutive rounds after defeating Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, the 24th seed, then upsetting 11th seed Marion Bartoli of France in round three and No.31 seed Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine in round four.

 Zheng Jie (R) of China shakes hands with Maria Kirilenko of Russia after the women's singles quarterfinal match in 2010 Australian Open Tennis Championship in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 26, 2010. Zheng won 2-0.

The 26-year-old Zheng has won two Grand Slam championship in doubles taking both the 2006 Australian Open and Wimbledon titles with partner Yan Zi.

【体坛英语资讯：Zheng Jie becomes first Chinese semifinalist at Australian Open】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinas new and old set early pace at worlds

★ 体坛英语资讯：German Football Federation wish to extend contract with Low

★ 体坛英语资讯：Drastic changes made in soccer team

★ 体坛英语资讯：China fails to break no-win record jinx against S.Korea

★ 体坛英语资讯：McLarens Kovalainen still in hospital after crash

★ 体坛英语资讯：China suffers 4-0 loss to Brazil

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Katie Holmes runs NYC marathon

★ 体坛英语资讯：From dark horse to freestyle favorite

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame arrives in Pakistani capital

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jackie Chan releases Olympic album