Qinwen Zheng Admits to Missing Thrill of Competition Ahead of Comeback in Doha

Qinwen Zheng, the 2024 Paris Olympics champion, was last seen in action at the China Open last year.

Qinwen Zheng Admits to Missing Thrill of Competition Ahead of Comeback in Doha

Qinwen Zheng (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Qinwen Zheng will return to competition at the Qatar Open on February 9. She will lock horns with fellow unseeded player Sofia Kenin in the round of 64.

Zheng, who clinched the gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics by defeating Donna Vekic, spent the majority of the 2025 season nursing an elbow injury, which also forced her to skip the US Open as well as this year’s Australian Open, where in 2024, she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in the final.

I feel great to be back on the tour. I especially missed the tournaments and the competition. I missed the way you have to put your blood into a match.

Qinwen Zheng told Tennis Channel

The last time the Chinese ace was seen in action was at last year’s China Open. The home favorite handed the walkover to Linda Noskova during the third set in the round of 32.

It’s been a while. I never thought this injury would take me so long and a surgery. It was much longer than I thought. But I’m back and in better shape. I just hope I can do well at this tournament and give my best on court.

Qinwen Zheng added

Zheng has met Kenin just once, in the 2024 Japan Open final, and won that match in straight sets. Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, kick-started her 2026 campaign at the Brisbane International, losing to Ekaterina Alexandrova in the round of 32 before she suffered a first-round exit at the hands of Maya Joint in the Adelaide International. At the Australian Open, Kenin lost to Peyton Stearns in the first round and had the same result when she met Liudmila Samsonova in the opening round of the Abu Dhabi Open.

Turkish Airlines announces Qinwen Zheng as its brand ambassador

Recently, Turkish Airlines, the airplane company, announced that it has signed a sponsorship deal with Qinwen Zheng. The 23-year-old, even though she did not have a great season last year, earned $21 million through sponsorship deals, as per Forbes. She stood on the second list of the highest earners, just behind Coco Gauff ($25 million).

Qinwen Zheng
Qinwen Zheng (Image via X/Jose Morgado)

We are pleased to welcome Zheng Qinwen as our Global Brand Ambassador. Her determination, achievements, and international outlook strongly align with our brand values. As we continue to strengthen our presence across the Asia-Pacific region, this partnership reflects our commitment to connecting the region with the world while supporting excellence in sport and cultural exchange.

Turkish Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Ahmet Olmustur said in a statement

Thanks to her impressive on-court achievements, Zheng has able to attract some of the biggest brands for deals. She has also collaborated with brands such as Nike, Wilson, Rolex, Lancome, Dior, among others.

I am honored to partner with Turkish Airlines, a brand that connects the world and transcends borders- an ethos that perfectly aligns with my own pursuit of excellence and continuous breakthroughs in tennis. I look forward to working with Turkish Airlines to connect people and cultures through the power of sports.

Qinwen Zheng said in a statement

The last title that Zheng won was the 2024 Pan Pacific Open, and the last final that she played was at the WTA Finals the same year. She lost the match to Gauff in three sets.

Zheng, who has made 10 finals so far in her career, has won five titles, including one Big Title- the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal, en route to which, she knocked out four-time Roland Garros champion and eventual bronze medalist Iga Swiatek in the semifinals.

Also read: Ex-ATP Pro Thinks Carlos Alcaraz ‘Shouldn’t Have Been’ in Australian Open Final