Zheng Qinwen became the first Chinese player to win Olympic gold in the tennis singles event on 3 August in the 2024 Olympic Games held in Paris. The tennis segment was held at Roland Garros where she defeated Croatia's Donna Vekic, hailing her victory as a "proud" moment for herself and her country.
In the semi-final, she overcame the reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek of Poland on Court Philippe Chatrier. In the final, the 21-year-old came through 6-2, 6-3, winning China's second tennis gold after Li Ting and Sun Tiantian's women's doubles triumph at Athens in 2004.
“My teammates often describe me as having a fire inside,” says the 21-year-old. “That requires knowing how to use it against your opponent instead of yourself. I channel my competitive spirit in a very positive way. Only by doing this can I challenge higher-ranked players.”
The Nike athlete and Rolex Testimonee reached her first Grand Slam final earlier this year at the 2024 Australian Open, becoming the first Chinese finalist since Li Na in 2014. This showing was a career high and gave her a single’s ranking of world No. 7 by the Women’s Tennis Association; just three years previous she was ranked 630.
“We have to go out and fight for our dreams. Inside I always believed I could be better, I just had to do it,” Qinwen adds.
Related
Rolex and Tennis: An Endearing Partnership for the Ages & the Next Generation
From the four Grand Slams to Roger Federer, Rolex’s contribution to excellence in tennis is based on a rich heritage of more than 40 years, championing performance while respecting the sport’s finest traditions.: Read Story
Rolex Testimonee Zheng Qinwen hits a forehand at the US Open 2023, where she reached her first ever Grand Slam final | Source: Rolex
Related
Carlos Alcaraz following in the footsteps of tennis legend and fellow Rolex testimonee Roger Federer, to defend maiden title at Wimbledon
Reigning and first-time champion of The Championships, Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz defends his crown when the 137th edition of the Grand Slam tournament takes place from 1 to 14 July. : Read Story
