Asian success ‘won’t stop here’
Zheg … next plays Nicole Vaidisova. AP leadPicToggle(); Asian success ‘won’t stop here’ 
From Steve Griffiths in London, England
Former Australian Captain July 01, 2008
CHINA’S Zheng Jie believes the surprise success of Asian women at Wimbledon can carry on beyond the quarter-finals.
Zheng and Thailand’s Tamarine Tanasugarn both reached the last eight of a grand slam for the first time to continue their ground-breaking success at the All England Club.
Zheng’s clinical 6-3 6-4 victory over No.15 seed Agnes Szavay saw her join Li Na as the only Chinese woman to make it to a grand slam quarter-final.
The 24-year-old doubles specialist had knocked out world No.1 and French Open champion Ana Ivanovic in the previous round.
Tamarine’s win was even more historic. She became the first Thai to reach a grand slam quarter-final by thrashing No.2 seed Jelena Jankovic 6-3 6-2.
After such a fairytale run, it would be easy for the two close friends to rest on their laurels, especially Tamarine who next faces defending champion Venus Williams.
But Zheng, who plays No.18 seed Nicole Vaidisova, sees no reason why they shouldn’t reach the semi-finals.
“I think it’s the first time two Asians are in the quarter-finals,'’ Zheng said.
“We’re playing very good tennis. For me she (Tamarine) is a good friend. We’re still together and we can keep going.'’
Tamarine was quick to return the compliment. She congratulated Zheng on her win and said their success was a massive boost for Asian tennis.
“Zheng Jie is one of my great friends. She’s very nice. It’s great for her to make this quarter-final and beat the No.1 in the world,'’ Tamarine said.
“I think it’s great for Asia that we can provide great tennis. This is how women’s tennis is. You don’t have to be like six feet tall to do well.
“It’s good that me and Zheng are doing well here and showing Asians can do well. It’s good for Asians to come this far, yeah.'’
At No.133 in the world, Zheng is the lowest ranked player left in the women’s singles. Her only previous experience of playing in the second week of a grand slam was at the French Open in 2004 when she lost in the fourth round, so this is uncharted territory.
But she won’t suffer from an inferiority complex against Vaidisova judging by her glowing assessment of the victory over Szavay.
“I didn’t know how I would get to the quarter-final because every opponent was very stronger,'’ said the wildcard.
“But I feel I just played so well today. I just gave her the forehand more because her backhand is unbelievably good.
“I feel today is the best tennis for me. I feel I had the stronger mentality and every ball I was fighting.
“I wanted to win match too much because it was a good chance to be in the quarter-final for the first time.'’
With the Beijing Olympics looming on the horizon in August, Zheng has found form at the perfect moment.
She will return to China to begin preparations for the Games as soon as Wimbledon is over, but for now even Olympic gold takes second place to the chance for success here.
“Of course the Olympics in China is very important. Everyone wants to win a gold medal,'’ she said.
“But many good players come for play the Olympics this year. I just want to keep going and try my best at Wimbledon.'’
Agence France-Presse