China’s rising tennis star Zheng Qinwen has been crowned the WTA Singles Fan Favorite for 2024, as announced by the Women’s Tennis Association. Voted by fans worldwide, the 22-year-old’s dynamic performance throughout the season has captivated audiences and marked her as a prominent figure in the sport.
Zheng began the year with a breakthrough performance at the Australian Open, reaching her first Grand Slam final. Although she finished as the runner-up at Melbourne Park, her impressive run catapulted her into the Top 10 rankings, making her only the second Chinese player to achieve this milestone, following in the footsteps of the legendary Li Na.
Building on her early success, Zheng secured her first title of the year at the Palermo Ladies Open, defending her championship and winning the event for the second consecutive time. Her momentum continued as she made history at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Chinese tennis player to win a singles gold medal.
The young athlete’s accomplishments did not stop there. Zheng captured her second title of the 2024 season at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, showcasing her prowess on the Asian circuit. She rounded off the year by making her debut at the WTA Finals, where she put up a strong performance to finish as the runner-up.
Zheng’s remarkable season reflects not only her personal dedication but also the growing prominence of Chinese athletes on the international tennis stage. Her fan-favorite status underscores the global appeal of her talent and the support she has garnered from tennis enthusiasts around the world.
As Zheng looks ahead to the next season, fans and analysts alike anticipate her continued ascent in the sport. Her achievements have not only inspired a new generation of players in China but have also added a vibrant chapter to the evolving narrative of Asian tennis in the global arena.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com