China is celebrating a new sports star, Zheng Qinwen, who recently won the women’s singles gold medal in tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This achievement not only marks a significant milestone in her career but has also made Zheng one of China’s biggest sports icons today. What makes her story even more special is the immense sacrifice her family made to support her dream, with her parents selling their home to fund her tennis journey.
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A Turning Point for Chinese Tennis
Zheng Qinwen, 21, did not disappoint the home crowd in her return to the court after her Olympic triumph. She comfortably defeated Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova with a score of 6-1, 6-1 in the first round of the China Open 2024, to the cheers of the enthusiastic fans in Beijing.
“I was really surprised by the atmosphere here. I’ve never seen such a large and energetic crowd,” Zheng said after the match. Currently ranked at a career-high world No. 7, Zheng is expected to climb even higher in the rankings.
Family Sacrifice to Pursue a Dream
Behind Zheng’s success is a touching story of her family’s sacrifice. When Zheng was young, her parents decided to sell their family home to finance her tennis career. Her father, Zheng Jianping, a former track and field athlete, has been a constant source of motivation and support. It was a trip to Beijing to watch the Olympics when she was six years old that ignited her passion for tennis.
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Upon returning from the capital, Zheng started learning tennis and quickly showed her natural talent. Her father made the decision to move her from Shiyan to Wuhan so she could receive professional training. Zheng’s mother, Deng Fang, quit her job to ensure that her daughter had the best conditions for eating, sleeping, and practicing.
Zheng revealed that after winning the Olympic gold medal in Paris, she immediately called her parents to thank them for their unwavering support. “I know my success today is because of their sacrifices,” Zheng said tearfully.
From Idolizing Li Na to Becoming China’s New Tennis Icon
Zheng grew up idolizing Li Na, the first Chinese player to win a Grand Slam singles title. Li Na’s victory at the French Open in 2011 inspired a new generation of young players, including Zheng. At just 11 years old, Zheng confidently declared on television that one day she would play in Grand Slams and compete for championships.
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Now, Zheng is making that dream a reality. In addition to winning the Olympic gold medal, she reached the Australian Open final earlier this year, before losing to Aryna Sabalenka. She has won three WTA Tour titles and is one of the highest-earning tennis players, with over $5 million in prize money and numerous endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and Rolex.
Becoming China’s New Tennis Queen
Not only has Zheng excelled on the court, but she has also attracted attention off the court with appearances on the covers of magazines like GQ and Harper’s Bazaar. In China, she is affectionately known as “Queen Wen,” a nickname that reflects the admiration and pride the public has for her achievements.
“We admire her because she has done so much for the country,” said Michelle Zhang, a fan at the China Open who attended the event with her two children, both of whom play tennis. Her friend, Adele Xue, added: “She has shown that Chinese people can also play tennis and succeed internationally.”
The Journey Continues
Zheng’s journey continues at the China Open, where she will face Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska in the third round. While bigger challenges lie ahead on the international stage, with her growing determination and refined skills, Zheng is poised to reach even greater heights.
Her success is not just the result of personal effort but also a testament to the rise of Chinese tennis. With the support of millions of fans and her family, Zheng has not only achieved her own dream but has also inspired the next generation of young tennis players.
