Zheng Qinwen, the world No. 7 in women’s singles tennis, commenced her training in Beijing on Wednesday as she prepares for a series of tournaments in the upcoming China Season.
Having recently returned from the U.S. after competing at both the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris and the U.S. Open in New York, Zheng opted to skip the Guadalajara Open to focus on her preparations at home. “I’m actually in good form both physically and mentally,” Zheng told China Media Group (CMG). “I finally have two weeks for exercise.”
Zheng’s performance at the U.S. Open saw her reach the quarterfinals, matching her best record at the hard-court Grand Slam tournament, before facing defeat against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus. Reflecting on her performance, she remarked, “I didn’t have a complete training period or enough time for exercise before the U.S. Open. But I did the best I could do at the tournament. I believe I would have performed better if I were stronger because I heard people talk about how thin I am in the upper body. It’s true. I hadn’t had any intense training session since the Olympic Games.”
The 2024 Paris Games marked a significant milestone for Zheng, where she clinched the women’s singles gold medal. This accomplishment has not only amplified the attention she receives but also introduced greater pressure. Embracing these challenges, Zheng stated, “I consider the pressure as my motivation because you always have a new mountain to conquer in tennis. I still have many titles to win. I expect to challenge and surpass myself step by step. I won’t dwell on my past honors.”
Determined to elevate her performance, Zheng has dedicated the next two weeks to intensive training ahead of the China Open, set to begin in Beijing on September 17. “I want to reach my best form on every front before the competition begins,” she affirmed.
Zheng’s return to Beijing and her commitment to rigorous preparation signal her readiness to captivate audiences during the China Season. Fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate her performance as she continues to rise in the global tennis arena.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
