China’s World No. 5 and Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen expressed her readiness for a potential face-off with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka at this year’s Australian Open. Meeting with the press on Friday, Zheng shared insights into her preparations and mindset ahead of the Grand Slam event.
Zheng, who was the runner-up at last season’s Australian Open after a 6-3, 6-2 defeat to the Belarusian in the final, is set to compete in the same half of this year’s main draw as Sabalenka and the United States’ Coco Gauff. Reflecting on last year’s performance, Zheng emphasized the lessons learned and how they have shaped her approach for the upcoming tournament.
“Facing top players like Sabalenka has always been a motivating challenge,” Zheng told reporters. “I’ve been working hard on enhancing my game, focusing on both physical conditioning and strategic play. Every match is an opportunity to grow, and I’m looking forward to showcasing my improvements.”
The 21-year-old athlete has had a remarkable journey since her Olympic triumph, steadily climbing the rankings and gaining recognition for her powerful baseline play and agility on the court. Her potential rematch with World No. 1 Sabalenka has garnered significant attention, highlighting the growing competitiveness in women’s tennis.
When asked about her preparation for possibly facing the in-form Sabalenka, Zheng remained optimistic. “I’ve studied her game extensively. While she is an outstanding player, I believe in my abilities and the hard work my team and I have put in. The key is to stay focused on my performance and take it one match at a time.”
Zheng also spoke about the excitement of competing alongside other top players in the main draw, including Coco Gauff. “It’s inspiring to be part of such a talented field. Competing with the best pushes me to elevate my game.”
The Australian Open, one of the most anticipated events in the tennis calendar, promises thrilling matches as players from around the world converge to vie for the title. With Zheng’s determination and improved skill set, fans are eager to see how far she will advance in this year’s tournament.
The tournament kicks off next week, and all eyes will be on Zheng as she represents the Chinese mainland on the international stage, aspiring to make history and inspire the next generation of tennis players.
Reference(s):
China's Zheng talks about facing off Sabalenka at Australian Open
cgtn.com
