Paris Olympics champion Zheng Qinwen expressed her hope on Tuesday to leverage the passionate support of the home crowd to secure her maiden China Open title. The world number seven has returned to Beijing, fresh from making history as the first Chinese player to win an Olympic singles tennis gold. The China Open, commencing on Wednesday, is a WTA 1000 event and ranks among the most prestigious in the women's tennis calendar.
"People tend to get fatigued towards the end of the season. For me, it's different," stated the 21-year-old Zheng, who was a finalist at the Australian Open. "I'm highly motivated to compete in China, in front of my supporters. I know they will be backing me." This support brings pressure, but Zheng asserts she is physically fit, well-prepared, and has high expectations of herself. Following Beijing, Zheng, nicknamed "Queen Wen," will participate in the Wuhan Open.
"I don't view the support as a significant pressure," she said regarding the upcoming weeks. "I consider it as strong backing, especially when I'm feeling low, seeing everyone supporting me." She added, "Playing in China is quite different from the rest of the world. I know nearly all of the crowd, about 95 percent, will be cheering for me." This, she said, is a significant boost in confidence and energy on the court.
Zheng noted a change since her Olympic victory. "Before, at the airport, people wouldn't recognize me unless they were interested in tennis. My fame was limited to the tennis community," she shared at a crowded press conference in the Chinese capital. "Now, when I go to a restaurant, people ask for autographs. I feel the impact and a sense of responsibility here in China." Among Zheng's main rivals at the China Open will be top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated her convincingly in the Australian Open final earlier this year.
