Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen has recently made a significant addition to her coaching team by bringing on board former Grand Slam champion Albert Costa. This decision comes after Zheng’s disappointing performance at the Australian Open, where she was defeated in the second round by Laura Siegemund.
A Rising Star Zheng Qinwen has quickly become a main fixture on the professional circuit, achieving a lot in her career so far. She was named WTA Newcomer of the Year in 2022 and WTA Most Improved Player in 2023. In 2024, she reached her first Grand Slam final in Melbourne, proving her potential to become a star in the game. The most significant moment of her career came at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where she won the gold medal for her country, defeating Iga Swiatek.
Challenges and New Beginnings Despite her successes, Zheng faced challenges at the Australian Open this year. She admitted to struggling with concentration and small physical issues. “For me, there was no chance to play a tournament before the Australian Open because the time was so rushed,” said Zheng. “I got some small issues after the WTA Finals. I discussed with my team whether or not we have to come to the Australian Open. ‘I’m the one forcing (them). My team said no. I’ve got to come here and try to play a slam. That’s the tricky situation. There are issues in my body that haven’t been solved yet.”
Albert Costa Joins the Team With her full-time coach Pere Riba recovering from hip surgery, Zheng decided to bring in Albert Costa, the 2002 French Open champion, to her coaching team. Costa is known for his work with Kei Nishikori and will look to provide a similar level of success with Zheng. “He always has a lot of passion for tennis. This is important,” said Zheng. “He wants to be a good coach. Not so many coaches on tour have this type of passion. Many coaches just consider this as a high-priced job. But there are a few coaches on tour; they really love the tennis, they want their player to become the best, they want their player to improve every single day. I think he’s this type of coach.”
Looking Ahead Zheng is set to work with Costa during the WTA 1000 tournaments in Doha and Dubai. The partnership aims to help Zheng regain her form and continue her ascent in the tennis world. Fans and experts alike are eager to see how this new coaching dynamic will impact Zheng’s performance and whether it will lead to further success in her career.
Qinwen Zheng in 2025
Currently ranked no.8, Zheng played her last match on the 15th of January when she capitulated to world no.80 Laura Siegemund 7-6(3) 6-3 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
At the moment, during this season the Chinese achieved a compiled 1-1 win-loss record.
Zheng will play next in Doha (Qatar TotalEnergies Open). She will start from the main draw that will commence on the 10th of February.