At the WTA Finals, Zheng Qinwen, a rising tennis star and Chinese No. 1, candidly revealed her preference to keep her distance from fellow players on tour, choosing to prioritize competition over camaraderie. The 22-year-old stated that forging friendships within the tennis world could compromise her focus, admitting she finds it challenging to maintain a competitive edge against friends.
Zheng explained, “I prefer always to keep my distance from players… I don’t feel if I become friends with someone that I can focus 100% on the court.” This decision aligns with her competitive mindset, which helped her reach significant milestones this year, including a gold medal at the Olympics, runner-up finishes at the Australian Open and Wuhan Open, and her Japan Open title.
While her approach has sparked some controversy, with noted cold handshakes and clashes with players and their families, Zheng maintains that competition trumps friendship. Reflecting on her decision, she added, “Once I figured out that, I decided not to try to make a friend on tour… there are so many people outside of the tennis world.”
Zheng remains focused as she continues her career, saying that at the WTA Finals, her interactions with other players were strictly limited to polite greetings and congratulations. As she looks to advance in her professional journey, Zheng is clear about her priorities, preferring solitude as she hones her competitive spirit.
Qinwen Zheng in 2024
Currently the world no.7 (career-high), Zheng played her last match on the 2nd of November when she surrendered to world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-4 in the round robin in Riyadh (draw).
Until now, during this year the Chinese has an overall 49-17 match record. Qinwen conquered 3 titles in 2024 in Palermo, Paris and Tokyo. Zheng reached the final at the Australian Open and Wuhan.
Qinwen Zheng will play the world no.226 Alice Tubello in the quarter. They have never played each other so far on the main tour.
Qinwen clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Palermo, Paris and Tokyo. Qinwen reached the final at the Australian Open and in Wuhan (Wuhan Open).
Qinwen won 5 titles in her career: 2 on hard courts and 3 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
Qinwen Zheng |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Qinwen Zheng in 2024
Now ranked no.7 (career-high), Zheng played her last match on the 2nd of November when she capitulated to world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-4 in the round robin in Riyadh (draw).
This season Zheng has managed to achieve an overall 49-17 win-loss record. Zheng has won 3 titles in 2024 in Palermo, Paris and Tokyo. Qinwen was the runner-up at the Australian Open and Wuhan.
Qinwen Zheng will play the world no.226 Alice Tubello in the quarter. In the past, they have never played each other so far in top tournaments.
The Chinese clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Palermo, Paris and Tokyo. Qinwen reached the final at the Australian Open and in Wuhan (Wuhan Open).
Zheng won 5 titles in her career: 2 on hard courts and 3 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)
Qinwen Zheng |
| Embed from Getty Images |