Zheng anticipates the upcoming China Open debut:I will try my best

Following her impressive victory in the women’s singles at the 2023 Asian Games, Zheng Qinwen wasted no time and quickly made her way to Beijing to prepare for the China Open.

During the pre-match press conference, Zheng also shared her thoughts on several questions such as the feelings of her first participation in the China Open as well as her secret to keep a disciplined diet.

In the past 9 months, Zheng has experienced many firsts in her career, including winning her first WTA Tour title and her first Asian Games gold medal, as well as her first participation in the China Open.

“I wish I had more time to prepare for the China Open. But because of the Asian Games, I did not have enough time. But it doesn’t matter. I will try my best,” the Chinese tennis player said about her hurried preparation for the tournament.

“The China Open has been held many times. The crowd will definitely be more professional or more familiar with tennis than the crowd in the Asian Games. This will be my first home court on the WTA Tour. I will do my best.” Zheng was eagerly anticipating the support of Chinese fans on-site.

With top players gathering at this year’s China Open, Zheng will face Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina in the first round.

“My reaction was I will keep on fighting because that is the case. In the first round, people are slowly getting into their rhythm. People are working through their game in the first and second round. It will be tough for both of us,” Zheng talked about the draw and her opponent. “ I don't have any special expectations for my draw. I only focus on the next match.”

At the Asian Games, Zheng shared her healthy diet. When asked about how she maintained the disciplined diet by mostly eating chicken, rice, and vegetables, Zheng responded, “ I’m not as disciplined as you imagine. Only during a tournament might I be more disciplined. After the Asian Games, I actually relaxed a little bit and went out to have a local meal in hang somehow. 

“Back in Beijing, I’m going back to my tour-level diet, in fact, with desire to defeat desire because I think my desire for winning is over my desire for food.”