Qinwen Zheng, the 22-year-old Chinese tennis sensation, has been making waves in the tennis world with her remarkable talent and unwavering sportsmanship. Known for her powerful game and fierce competitiveness, Zheng has also earned a reputation for her humility and respect towards her opponents.

In a recent interview, Zheng shared a simple yet profound philosophy that underpins her approach to the game: “I always give a handshake to my opponent because I feel that’s the basic respect.” This gesture, though small, speaks volumes about her character and the values she upholds.

Zheng’s journey to the top has been nothing short of inspiring. Born in Shiyan, Hubei, China, she began playing tennis at the tender age of seven. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she won the gold medal in women’s singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first Asian tennis player, male or female, to achieve this feat. She also reached a career-high WTA ranking of No. 5 in November 2024.

Her recent performance at the 2025 Australian Open further cemented her status as a top player. Zheng faced a tough challenge in her first-round match against Romanian qualifier Anca Todoni but emerged victorious with a score of 7-6 (7/3), 6-1. Despite the pressure and nerves, Zheng’s respect for her opponent never wavered.

Off the court, Zheng is a creative soul who enjoys reading, singing, and writing. She finds peace and flow in these activities, much like she does on the tennis court. Her ability to balance her intense professional life with her personal passions is a testament to her well-rounded character.

Qinwen Zheng’s commitment to respect and sportsmanship serves as a reminder of the values that make sports truly great. Her handshake is more than just a gesture; it’s a symbol of the mutual respect and camaraderie that should define competitive sports. As she continues to rise in the ranks, Zheng’s legacy will undoubtedly be remembered not just for her victories, but for the grace and respect she brings to the game.

Zheng at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2025

Now ranked no.5 (career-high), the Chinese has managed to achieve an overall 1-0 win-loss record in 2025. The Chinese is now competing at the Australian Open where she defeated the world no.110 Anca Alexia Todoni 7-6(3) 6-1.

The Chinese won 5 titles in her career: 2 on hard courts and 3 on clay courts. (See the list of her titles)