Chinese tennis player Zheng Qinwen made history on August 3 by becoming the first Asian champion in women’s Olympic tennis singles. Her victory over Croatian opponent Donna Vekic sparked widespread excitement across Chinese social media.
Zheng’s path to gold was hard-fought, overcoming three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber and world No.1 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, on the clay courts of Roland Garros Stadium.
“Before getting my first gold medal, I didn’t think I could compete on the court for five consecutive days or play for nine hours in three days. This achievement will inspire me forever,” she told Xinhuanet’s sports channel on August 5.
Zheng’s journey to success involved relentless practice and discipline, as well as support from her parents and Spanish coach Pere Riba. Her diet consisted strictly of chicken breast and broccoli – no soft drinks or snacks. Riba praised Zheng as the hardest-working player he had ever met.
She won her first professional title at the International Tennis Federation’s W15 Cordenons 2020 tournament and placed second at the Australian Open earlier this year, an outcome that left her in tears at a press conference despite the achievement.
Now ranked 7th in the world by the Women’s Tennis Association, Zheng has amassed over two million followers on Sina Weibo. Her candid and dynamic personality, showcased in numerous media interviews, endears her to fans.
Inspired by tennis legend Li Na and Olympic hurdler Liu Xiang, Zheng’s Olympic triumph has positioned her as a new source of inspiration, embodying resilience and indomitable spirit. Her father, overcome with emotion, urged her to continue dreaming big following her historic win.
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