Zheng Qinwen, the 22-year-old Chinese tennis sensation and recent Paris Olympics gold medalist, has been a fan favorite throughout China this year. Following her finals run at the Australian Open, her popularity surged, making her a centerpiece attraction during back-to-back WTA 1000 events in her hometown Wuhan and Beijing, where she reached the semifinals and finals, respectively. The attention meant lengthy autograph sessions with sometimes over 50 fans waiting, requiring security to help her navigate the crowds.
After taking a brief break to recharge both mentally and physically, Zheng is now competing in Tokyo’s WTA 500 Toray Pan Pacific Open as the top seed. Tokyo, however, offers a stark contrast to the intense fan interactions she experienced in China. Here, the world No. 7 can enjoy quiet breakfasts and time alone without fans seeking autographs, a change Zheng welcomes as it allows her to feel more relaxed and “normal.”
Zheng successfully passed her first challenge after a round-one bye, defeating Moyuka Uchijima in the round-of-16. While she appreciates her popularity back home, the more subdued atmosphere in Tokyo has offered her a refreshing break from the spotlight.
Zheng in Tokyo, ranking, and results in 2024
At the moment ranked no.7 (career-high), Qinwen has achieved a 47-16 record in 2024. Qinwen is currently competing in Tokyo where she bested Unknown Player bye, the world no.57 Moyuka Uchijima 7-5 6-0, the world no.35 Leylah Annie Fernandez 6-0 1-6 6-3 and the world no.16 Diana Shnaider 7-6(5) 6-3.
Qinwen Zheng will square off with the world no.219 Alice Tubello in the quarter. In the past, they have never played each other until now on the main tour.
The Chinese clinched 2 titles in 2024 in Palermo and Paris. Zheng got to the final at the Australian Open and in Wuhan (Wuhan Open).
Qinwen won 4 titles in her career: 1 on hard courts and 3 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
Qinwen Zheng |
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Zheng in Tokyo, ranking, and results in 2024
Currently the world no.7 (career-high), Zheng achieved a composed 47-16 record in 2024. Qinwen is now playing in Tokyo where she managed to beat Unknown Player bye, the world no.57 Moyuka Uchijima 7-5 6-0, the world no.35 Leylah Annie Fernandez 6-0 1-6 6-3 and the world no.16 Diana Shnaider 7-6(5) 6-3.
Qinwen Zheng will fight against the world no.219 Alice Tubello in the quarter. In the past, they have never played each other until now in top tournaments.
The Chinese conquered 2 titles in 2024 in Palermo and Paris. Zheng reached the final at the Australian Open and in Wuhan (Wuhan Open).
Qinwen won 4 titles in her career: 1 on hard courts and 3 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
Qinwen Zheng |
| Embed from Getty Images |