Just before the 2024 season, Zheng Qinwen experienced a minor setback because the world No. 5 will not have coach Pere Riba at the Australian Open.
The two have had a lot of success together since they got back together in late 2023. This year, the Chinese won the Olympics in Paris and advanced to the Australian Open and WTA Finals. She debuted in the top five as well.
Riba, who ended his professional career in 2018 after suffering a hip injury in an accident, will not be able to join Zheng at Melbourne Park, as he is scheduled to undergo hip surgery.
IMG ultimately selected Dante Bottini to go with Qinwen on this first adventure of the year after making some phone calls to find a temporary replacement; however, Pere will be contacted every day from a distance.
Qinwen Zheng in 2024
Ranked no.5 (career-high), the Chinese played her last match on the 9th
of November when she was defeated by world no.3 Cori Gauff 3-6 6-4 7-6(2) in the final in Riyadh (draw).Until now, during this year the Chinese has a composed 52-18 match record. Zheng has won 3 titles in 2024 in Palermo, Paris and Tokyo. The Chinese was the runner-up at the Australian Open, Wuhan and Riyadh.
Qinwen Zheng will play the world no.220 Alice Tubello in the quarter. They have never played each other so far in top tournaments.
Qinwen clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Palermo, Paris and Tokyo. Zheng was the finalist at the Australian Open, in Wuhan (Wuhan Open) and in Riyadh (WTA Finals).
Qinwen won 5 titles in her career: 2 on hard courts and 3 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)