Peng Shuai rekindles China's hope for US Open title

Chinese hope for the US Open title wasn't gone with Li Na's withdrawal. Peng Shuai, a doubles expert, cruised into U.S. Open singles semifinal on Tuesday.

The 39th-ranked Chinese beat 17-year-old rising star Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-1 in the quarterfinal, booking her first major singles semifinal show in 37 Grand Slams she had played.

"Looking back on the tournament I had experienced, it was such a long history," said Peng. "If my body allows, I would like to play 37 more Grand Slams. I love tennis so much."

It was a dominating victory. Bencic, the second youngest player in US Open women's singles main draw who beat sixth seed Angelique Kerber and the ninth seed Jelena Jankovic en route to Tuesday's match, was barely given any chance.

"It's much more difficult than what the score shows," said Peng after the match. "My hand was cold before I entered the court, and I was very very nervous."

Peng didn't allow her nerves to affect her game. She had a perfect start by breaking in the fourth game in the first set to take a 3-1 lead. Peng managed to break again in the eighth game and closed the first set 6-2.

The 28-year-old Chinese stormed to open the second set 5-0. Bencic managed to keep serve in the sixth game, but Peng continued her big serving and finished it 6-1.

"I knew before the match that Belinda was young and was a great player. I just won some key points, lucky points, and it's a close match," said Peng.

Peng became the third Chinese player to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, after two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na and two-time Grand Slam semifinalist Zheng Jie.

Li Na skipped the US Open to nurse a knee injury while Zheng was ousted by Peng in the first round.

"They are both really good tennis players while Zheng Jie is also really good in doubles," said Peng. "I was really happy this time"

She was expected to move even farther.

Peng is the only player in the bottom half to finish all the five U.S. Open matches in straight sets, and the stats speaks for itself.

Peng's latest post on Twitter-like Weibo received over 2,000 comments. "Let's fight for the champion," said many fans.

Peng will meet Caroline Wozniacki or Sara Errani in the semifinal.

"Both are good players, both are running very well," said Peng about her potential opponent.

"I'll try my best."