Qinwen Zheng, the World No. 7 in the WTA rankings, has made it clear that she is not focused on making friends with her rivals on the tour. Despite her recent success, including a gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Zheng has faced criticism for her intense demeanor on the court.
In a recent press conference ahead of the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh, Zheng explained her reasons for keeping her distance from other players. She expressed that she finds it challenging to compete against a friend, as it affects her ability to fully focus and give her best effort on the court.
Zheng emphasized that she is a sensitive person at heart and feels conflicted when competing against someone she considers a friend. She believes that being friends with her rivals would make it difficult for her to show the necessary intensity and competitive spirit during matches.
Despite spending time with other players during practice and public events leading up to the WTA Finals, Zheng stated that she prefers to keep her interactions with her competitors to a minimum. She mentioned that she exchanges pleasantries and congratulatory remarks on their seasons but does not engage in deeper conversations or friendships.
As Zheng gears up to compete in the ATP Finals as the World No. 7, she has been in top form with a record of 41-16 and two singles titles under her belt. Her recent strong performances, including reaching the finals of the Wuhan Open and winning the Pan Pacific Open, have showcased her talent and determination on the court.
Zheng’s first match at the ATP Finals is scheduled against Aryna Sabalenka, and fans can catch the action on Saturday, November 1. For more updates and news on the world of tennis, tennis enthusiasts can follow Sports Illustrated’s Serve on SI for the latest updates and insights.