Zheng Qinwen, the Chinese mainland's women's tennis ace, has secured her spot for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics by clinching the gold medal at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, East China, in 2023.
In a remarkable rise over the past two years, Zheng reached her career-best performance in Grand Slam tournaments by advancing to the women's singles final at the Australian Open in January. Although she became the second player from the Chinese mainland to reach a Grand Slam singles final, she was left wanting after losing the title match to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.
\"It's a pity that I failed to achieve what I wanted on a court like this,\" Zheng told the China Media Group. \"But I have gained a lot of experience from it. Now I know better how to train to beat opponents like this in the future.\"
While many fans and analysts have drawn comparisons between Zheng and China's retired two-time Grand Slam singles champion Li Na, Zheng has expressed her desire to carve her own path. \"I think everyone has their own path of growth, so it's unnecessary to call anybody 'the next whoever,'\" she said. \"We should just be the best of ourselves because we are all unique.\"
Following her Australian Open performance, Zheng faced challenges in the subsequent Grand Slam tournaments, being eliminated by Elina Avanesyan of Russia in the third round at the French Open and losing to Lulu Sun of New Zealand in the first round at Wimbledon.
Despite these setbacks, Zheng's confidence remains unshaken. She is set to return to the clay courts at Roland Garros during the 2024 Paris Olympics, aiming to defend her honor and perform at her best. \"I do have expectations because I will be playing for my country instead of myself,\" Zheng told CMG. \"I want to participate in the Paris Olympics in my best form and do my best in preparation.\"
Reference(s):
Chinese tennis ace Zheng Qinwen backs off from no difficulty
cgtn.com
