Zheng Jie makes history by becoming first Chinese player to enter Oz Open semi-finals

Melbourne, Jan 26(ANI): Unseeded Zheng Jie has become the first player from China to make it to the semi-finals of the Australian Open, after a straight sets demolition of Maria Kirilenko.

Jie downed Kirilenko comprehensively 6-1 6-3 to set up Thursday's semi-final showdown with seven-time grand slam champion Justine Henin.

Another Chinese player Li Na has the opportunity to join her in the semis when she plays Venus Williams in Wednesday's quarterfinal.

If she does manage to defeat Williams, it will create further history, as it will be the first time that two Chinese players will make it to grand slam semis singles action.

When asked why no Chinese men were scaling the heights of her and Li, Zheng said: "That's a hard question. Everybody wants to know."

Maybe men need to be more hard working. I hope we have the men soon because we can play the mixed doubles," The Australian quoted Zheng, as saying.

Zheng has played only one grand slam semi-final before in singles, 2008 at Wimbledon, but is already a two-time Slam champion in doubles taking both the 2006 Australian Open and Wimbledon titles with partner Zi Yan. (ANI)