In a triumphant turn of events, 20-year-old Chinese tennis sensation Zheng Qinwen clinched her first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles championship, signaling a significant breakthrough in her nascent career. Despite facing numerous setbacks, the young player proved her mettle, ultimately seizing the title in the Palermo Ladies Open in Italy.
Zheng, a late entry in the tournament who received a wild card, triumphed over Italy’s favorite Jasmine Paolini in the finals. This victory makes her the 12th WTA singles champion from the Chinese mainland, a momentous feat that she acknowledged in her acceptance speech. “This is very special to me as it is my first WTA 250 title. I’ll remember that,” said Zheng.
Previously, Zheng was named the WTA’s 2022 Newcomer of the Year following her impressive performance at the French Open, where she defeated two-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep and France’s top player, Alize Cornet, reaching the quarterfinals. However, her form and fitness waned in the subsequent season, leading to a series of defeats despite her switch to a new coach.
This victory, therefore, came at a pivotal time for the young player, ending her losing streak and restoring her confidence. The impressive victory drew parallels to her compatriot, Li Na, the first Asian woman to secure a Grand Slam singles title at the French Open.
The win comes as women’s tennis is set to resume in China this September following a hiatus since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, the women’s tour had nine events in China, including the prominent China Open, which is anticipated to return, along with events in Wuhan, Hong Kong, and the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai.
China’s women’s tennis has a robust legacy, and Zheng Qinwen is among the promising new generation of Chinese female tennis players looking to continue this tradition. The country is eagerly awaiting the return of the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, a 10-year partnership boasting a record $14 million in prize money.
Furthermore, men’s tennis is also poised to recommence, with the Shanghai Masters slated as the main event in 2023. The current year marks the revival of multiple international sports tournaments, including athletics’ Diamond League, figure skating’s Grand Prix, and multi-sport events like the University Games and Asian Games.
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