Qinwen Zheng defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-2 3-6 6-3 to reach her first WTA 1000 semi-final of her career.
The Olympic gold medallist produced a clinical performance in front of her home crowd to reach the last four in Wuhan.
It means that Zheng is one step closer to qualifying for November’s WTA finals in Saudi Arabia as she is into her first WTA 1000 semi-final.
Speaking after victory over the Roland Garros and Wimbledon finalist, Zheng praised her level in the big moments as she is into the last four, “It was an excellent match,” Zheng explained to the WTA website.
“Very sharp forehand from her. In terms of rallies, she played really, really excellent. I did very well in the key points. In her service games, I had more break points. She did not get as many break points as I did.”
Zheng will now face Xinyu Wang in an all-Chinese clash for a place in the final after Wang defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova 8-6 in the final set tiebreak.
Ahead of the clash Zheng praised the level of Chinese tennis right now in what will be a historic occasion on Saturday, “It means we have great players in China,” Zheng added to the WTA website.
“Our base level was more higher than before, so that’s a good thing. I mean, it’s never easy to play against opponent same like your country. There is a different pressure. I know that. I think we grow basically in the same tournaments. Play the same tournaments in juniors.”
The other semi-final in Wuhan will see Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff renew their rivalry after wins over Magdalena Frech and Magda Linette respectively.
Sabalenka hit 42 winners in her 6-2 6-2 win over Frech while Gauff defeated Linette 6-0 6-4 to continue her winning streak.
The match will see the US Open take on the Beijing champion with Gauff leading the head-to-head 4-3.
