Zheng Qinwen is a hero in China.
Zheng made sure the country’s first Olympic tennis medal was gold with a 6-2, 6-3 win over No. 13 seed Donna Vekic of Croatia on Saturday in the women’s final at Roland-Garros.
The sixth-seeded Chinese player stunned three-time reigning French Open champion Iga Światek in the semis to secure her country’s first tennis medal.
Swiatek bounced back to win bronze on Saturday.
It has been a breakthrough year for Zheng, who reached the Australian Open final early in 2024.
She rebounded at the Olympics after a first-round exit at Wimbledon.
On July 31, 2021, Zheng Qinwen of China made history by becoming the first Chinese tennis player to win an Olympic gold medal in singles competition. The 23-year-old rising star defeated Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic in a thrilling final match at the Tokyo Olympics.
Zheng’s victory is a significant milestone for Chinese tennis, as she has now joined the ranks of other Chinese athletes who have made their mark on the international stage. Her win not only showcases her talent and skill on the court but also highlights the growing strength of Chinese tennis players in the global arena.
Born in Shanghai, Zheng began playing tennis at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of the junior circuit. She turned professional in 2015 and has since made a name for herself on the WTA tour, with several impressive victories under her belt.
In the lead-up to the Olympics, Zheng had been in top form, winning several tournaments and climbing the world rankings. Her performance in Tokyo was nothing short of exceptional, as she defeated some of the top players in the world on her way to the gold medal match.
In the final, Zheng faced off against Vondrousova, who had also been in excellent form throughout the tournament. The match was closely contested, with both players showcasing their skills and fighting for every point. In the end, it was Zheng who emerged victorious, winning in straight sets and securing her place in history as China’s first Olympic gold medalist in tennis.
Zheng’s win has been met with widespread acclaim and celebration in China, with fans and officials alike hailing her achievement as a historic moment for Chinese sports. Her success is not only a testament to her talent and hard work but also a reflection of the growing popularity and competitiveness of tennis in China.
As Zheng Qinwen basks in the glory of her Olympic triumph, she has undoubtedly inspired a new generation of Chinese tennis players to dream big and aim for greatness on the world stage. Her victory is a reminder that with dedication, perseverance, and skill, anything is possible – even making history at the Olympics.