Despite longing for a major title, though, the Hubei province native is keeping her expectations in check.

"My plan for 2025, first of all, is to stay healthy, that's the most important thing for all the athletes, and, after that, let's see where I can go. Hopefully, I can do better (this year)," the 22-year-old said after beating the former world No 3, 6-2,6-2, in 70 minutes.

She has been billed as one of this year's hot title favorites by fans. Zheng, however, shrugs off the pressure of lofty expectations that she will repeat the heroics of her idol and Chinese tennis legend Li Na, whose triumph at the tournament in 2014 was watched by an 11-year-old Zheng on TV at a junior club in Li's home city of Wuhan.

"There are more people who know me outside of tennis now," Zheng said of her new-found fame following her Paris Olympics win.

"There are more fans coming to watch me, as demonstrated today. This brings me energy on the tennis court, and I just feel that, every day, I love tennis more, and love the Australian Open even more."

Seeded fifth in the 128-draw singles tournament, Zheng will open her campaign facing a qualifier in the first round, with a potential rematch against her bitter rival and defending champion Sabalenka looming in the quarterfinals, should Zheng advance smoothly.