Chinese Olympic gold medalist Xu Lijia has lauded the remarkable achievements of tennis players Zheng Qinwen, Zhang Zhizhen, and Wang Xinyu at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Speaking to CGTN Sports Scene's Greg Laffradi on Saturday, Xu highlighted the trailblazing performances that have elevated Chinese tennis on the global stage.
Zheng Qinwen made history by defeating World No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland, becoming the first Chinese player to reach a singles final at the Summer Olympics. Zheng is set to compete against Croatia's Donna Vekic for the women's singles gold medal on Saturday.
In addition to Zheng's singles success, Zhang Zhizhen and Wang Xinyu brought pride to China by securing the country's first tennis podium finish in Paris. They faced the Czech duo of Tomas Machac and Katerina Siniakova in the mixed doubles final on Friday, ultimately earning silver after a hard-fought three-set match.
Xu, who celebrates her 37th birthday at the end of August, boasts a storied 20-year career in sailboat racing. She won gold and bronze medals at the London 2012 and Beijing 2008 Olympics, respectively, and proudly carried China's flag during the Closing Ceremony in London 2012.
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Chinese Olympic gold medalist praises work of country's tennis players
cgtn.com
