Zheng Qinwen sparks controversy again with icy post-match handshake after Mirra Andreeva win
WTAWednesday, 09 October 2024 at 01:13
Zheng Qinwen is back in the
spotlight after defeating Mirra Andreeva, while receiving criticism for her
attitude. The Paris 2024 gold medalist overcame the Russian teenager 5-7, 6-0,
6-4 to reach the semifinals of the WTA 1000 China Open.
Zheng Qinwen dismisses Andreeva’s tears
Several players do not seem to be
big fans of the World No. 7. During the Olympic Games, Zheng had a tense
exchange with Emma Navarro, where the American said: “I just told her I didn’t
respect her as a competitor. I think she goes about things in a pretty
cut-throat way,” remarked the 22-year-old player. “It makes for a locker room
that doesn’t have a lot of camaraderie, so it’s tough to face an opponent like
that, who I really don’t respect.”
Donna Vekic, who lost to Zheng in
the Olympic final, also commented: "She kept delaying the service. As soon
as someone's voice was heard or someone moved in the audience, she took
incorrect time-outs. We can't expect spectators to sit like statues. There are
also many controversial stories about her, but I won't talk about that
now."
This time, against Andreeva, the
Chinese player faced criticism for the cold handshake after the match. This
came especially after Andreeva cried during the first game of the third set,
following a poor performance in the second set. Although the 17-year-old fought
hard in the third, she couldn’t turn the match around against an inspired
Zheng.
After the match, Zheng was asked
about her opponent’s tears, but she mentioned that she hadn’t noticed: "I
don't know. I wasn't paying attention to my opponent because I mostly focus on
myself. I feel I played so badly today, like 20% to 30% of my level. I think if
I could have played better, the match would have finished faster."
She added: "Actually, I cry
thousands of times, like when I had a chance at 5-4 and didn’t take the game. I
started the third set slow, yeah. But maybe she had some pain in her body. I’m
not sure. Or maybe she was just tired. I remember when I was tired at the
French Open; I cried too, but usually after the match, not during it."
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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