Zheng, the Olympic gold champion for China, showed off her might by defeating Italian Paolini 6-1 6-1.
The 22-year-old’s only defeat came against Sabalenka on the opening day of the competition, giving her a 2-1 group-stage record.
After the renowned Li Na in 2013, Zheng is the second Chinese woman to go to the tournament’s semifinals.
“I didn’t know what would happen when I came here,” she stated. “I just told myself to enjoy it, especially because I am in a really difficult group.”
In a hard-hitting match, Sabalenka, who earlier in the week secured the year-end world number one ranking, lost to Rybakina 6-4 3-6 6-1.
