Zheng Qinwen celebrates her victory at the China Open. © Twitter (@ChinaDaily)
Beijing Zheng Qinwen, known affectionately as Queen Wen has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes in China. Her journey to Olympic glory began with her parents’ sacrifices; they sold their family home to support her tennis aspirations. Zheng, a 21-year-old tennis player, is the country’s most popular athlete right now and the first Chinese person to win an Olympic gold medal in singles. Zheng’s ambition was realized in the Olympics in Paris.
Playing in her home country for the first time since her historic win, Zheng faced off against 71st-ranked Russian Kamilla Rakhimova in the opening match of the China Open. With the support of a passionate Beijing crowd, she delivered an impressive performance, winning 6-1, 6-1. “The atmosphere was insane,” Zheng exclaimed, reflecting on the enthusiastic audience that filled the venue.
Ranked seventh in the world, Zheng trains in Barcelona and is poised to climb even higher in the rankings. Her achievements on the court have garnered her over $5 million in prize money and endorsements from global brands like Nike and Rolex. Off the court, she has graced the covers of GQ and Harper’s Bazaar, further cementing her status as a sports icon.
Zheng’s accolades include three WTA Tour titles and a standout performance at the Australian Open, where she reached her first Grand Slam final. Although she faced a tough defeat against Aryna Sabalenka in that final, she expressed confidence in her growth as a player since then. With a potential semi-final match against the world No. 2 looming, fans are eager to see how far she can go.
Local fans at the China Open, such as Michelle Zhang and Adele Xue, shared their admiration for Zheng. Zhang remarked, “She is doing a lot for the country,” while Xue pointed out that Zheng has served as an inspiration to a new wave of Chinese tennis players.
Zheng’s passion for tennis ignited at a young age, inspired by the success of Li Na, who made history as the first Asian player to win a major singles title. After moving to Wuhan as a child to pursue her tennis dreams, Zheng’s talent quickly caught the attention of local scouts. Her father, a former track-and-field athlete, and her mother, who dedicated herself to Zheng’s training, made numerous sacrifices to support her career.
Zheng’s relentless determination is a defining aspect of her character. “She never gives up,” her coach Yu Liqiao stated, highlighting her competitive spirit. After her Olympic triumph, Zheng revealed the sacrifices her family made, including the sale of their home, to invest in her future in tennis.
At just 11 years old, Zheng was already dreaming big, stating on television her ambition to compete at the Grand Slam level. With her exceptional talent and the unwavering support of her family and fans, Zheng Qinwen is not just making history but also paving the way for future generations of Chinese athletes. As she prepares for her next match against Nadia Podoroska, the tennis world is watching closely, eager to witness the continuing rise of Queen Wen.
