“I didn’t take some tournaments seriously,” Qinwen Zheng explains her sudden drop in form soon after making it to her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open

Qinwen Zheng has confessed that her poor form after the Australian Open was due to her not taking some tournaments seriously.

“I didn’t take some tournaments seriously,” Qinwen Zheng explains her sudden drop in form soon after making it to her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open

Qinwen Zheng (Via Imago)

Qinwen Zheng began her 2024 season on a strong note. At the Australian Open, she became only the second Chinese player, after Li Na, to reach a Grand Slam final. She had to settle for a runner-up finish in Melbourne after losing to Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets. In a surprise confession, Zheng has now disclosed that she did not take some tournaments seriously following her incredible run Down Under.

In the months after the Australian Open, Zheng didn’t do particularly well, with several of her tournaments ending very early. It was not until the Palermo Open, where she defended her title, that she managed to regain form and confidence.

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After a small break following the North American hard court swing, Zheng is set to return to action at the China Open. She also admitted that she might not make the cut for the WTA Finals this year.

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It’s really funny I made the final of the Australian Open but after that I didn’t take some tournaments seriously and didn’t get enough points. Judging from the points I have, it’s difficult for me to make the finals this year. I even complained to the team for not telling me earlier about the qualification of the WTA Finals. Now I feel the pressure but I cannot do anything. All I can do is give my best in the competitions

Qinwen Zheng said at the press conference
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Zheng is seeded fifth at the China Open and has received a bye in the opening round. She is set to open her campaign against Russian qualifier Kamilla Rakhimova, who beat Kimberly Birrell 6-2, 6-4 in the first round.

Qinwen Zheng eyes strong performance on home soil

Qinwen Zheng is enjoying the best season of her career. Besides reaching the Australian Open final, she also defended her title in Palermo. Most recently, she won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. The 21-year-old has also broken into the Top 10 of the WTA rankings.

Qinwen Zheng
Qinwen Zheng (Via Imago)

With the Asian swing of the WTA Tour underway, Zheng is determined to make her mark on home soil. She said that she was both physically and mentally ready to give her best. Zheng recalled how she could not give her best at the China Open last year due to the Asian Games.

After the US Open, the first thing that came to my mind was the China tour, the China Open, the Wuhan Open. People start to get tired at the end of the season. For me it’s different. I’m really motivated to come play in China, in front of my people. I know they’re going to support me. I feel right now I’m quite fresh for all those tournaments ’cause I have big expectations ’cause last year for the Asia Games, I was not able to prepare well in the China Open. But this year I had a good preparation.

Qinwen Zheng said at the press conference (H/T: tennisworldusa)
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Zheng made a first-round exit at the China Open last year, losing 6-1, 6-2 to Elena Rybakina. At the Asian Games, however, she emerged victorious, losing just one set en route to clinching the gold medal.