(VIDEO) Zheng Qinwen shows off Spanish skills in Madrid Open interaction
WTASaturday, 25 April 2026 at 21:30
Zheng Qinwen added an off-court highlight to her Madrid Open campaign this week, briefly speaking Spanish during a WTA interview following her second-round victory. The exchange, delivered in a mixed-zone setting rather than on court, quickly circulated as it reflected both her personality and her long-standing connection to Spain.
The 23-year-old Chinese player advanced after recovering from a slow start to defeat Sofia Kenin 1–6, 6–3, 6–3. Zheng lost seven consecutive games across the first set and early second, but adjusted her baseline patterns and converted every break point she created to complete the turnaround.
Currently ranked world No. 36 and competing as the No. 32 seed following late withdrawals, Zheng has an immediate opportunity to climb back toward the Top 30 with a deeper run in Madrid. Her 2026 schedule has been limited, with a 5–3 record entering the tournament.
The former world No. 4 and Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist continues to rebuild after a right elbow injury, and Madrid represents a key checkpoint in that process, both in terms of results and match rhythm ahead of the remainder of the clay swing.
Spanish exchange reflects long-term training base in Spain
The interview moment began with a direct question about her Spanish level, prompting Zheng to respond confidently before being invited to continue in the language.
Interviewer: How is your Spanish now?
Zheng: Muy bien, yo puedo hablar mucho español ("Very well, I can speak a lot of Spanish")
Interviewer: Well then let’s speak in Spanish.
Zheng: Hostia, muy difícil! ("Oh my god, very difficult!").
The brief exchange captured a mix of confidence and hesitation, but it is grounded in a deeper context. Zheng has been based in Barcelona since 2019, when she relocated with her mother to continue her development on clay. That period established a long-term connection with Spain that extends beyond tournament appearances.
Her current coaching relationship with Pere Riba reinforces that link. The Spaniard has worked with Zheng through key phases of her rise, including her progression into the Top 10 and her Olympic gold medal at Paris 2024. The combination of residence and coaching has created sustained exposure to Spanish language and culture.
Madrid has become one of the environments where Zheng feels most comfortable outside China. She has repeatedly described the tournament as a “second home,” citing the support from local fans and the familiarity of the setting, elements that were again visible during her media interaction this week.
Comeback win sets up Rybakina test and ranking opportunity
Zheng’s performance against Kenin followed a pattern that has characterised parts of her recent form: early instability followed by controlled recovery. After losing the opening set 1–6, she improved her first-serve percentage and reduced unforced errors, allowing her to dictate longer rallies across the second and third sets.
Her efficiency on key points was decisive. Zheng converted all break points she created, a notable shift from earlier matches this season where inconsistency in pressure moments had limited her progress. The result moves her into the third round of a WTA 1000 event for the first time this year.
“I really wanted to win the first match here in Madrid because they treat me very well. It’s like my second home here beside of China. Really, I think they treat me same way when I was at China Open.”
The next challenge comes against Elena Rybakina, who leads their head-to-head 3–1, including a win earlier this season in Doha. A victory would not only represent Zheng’s best result at the Madrid Open but also strengthen her position in the rankings, with a return to the Top 30 within reach.
Zheng’s broader record reflects a reduced schedule rather than sustained decline. She has played only four tournaments in 2026, compiling a 5–3 record, and has gone 6–4 since her first-round exit at Wimbledon last year. Madrid therefore serves as both a competitive test and a continuation of her gradual return to full form on clay.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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