Qinwen Zheng has become the first Chinese player to win an Olympic singles title after ousting Croatia’s Donna Vekic in straight sets.
The world No.7 powered her way to a 6-2, 6-3, victory at Roland Garros in what was a rollercoaster encounter at times. Zheng utilized her powerful hitting and took advantage of a series of costly mistakes from a highly animated Vekic, who was also bidding to become the first player from her country to win a singles gold medal. Overall she hit 22 winners as her rival produced 31 unforced errors.
“Nothing can describe my feeling right now,” Zheng told Laura Robson during her post-match interview.
“Every round was super emotional. There was no round where I didn’t feel nothing.
“It’s just unreal because I’ve been always hoping to get a medal for China and finally I made it.“
Zheng got off to a perfect start by breaking early en route to a 3-0 lead. In pole position, the Chinese player sealed the opener in just under 50 minutes after breaking the Vekic serve once again.
It wasn’t until the second set that Zheng started to be sternly tested. After trading breaks, there was little to separate both players until the Croat started to make some mistakes at the worst time possible. Felling the heat, Vekic dropped serve once again when down 3-4 which handed her opponent the chance to serve the match out and claim gold. Zheng prevailed on her first match point after hitting a clean forehand winner.
“I feel all my country will be proud of me,” she said.
“I want to say thanks for my team, thanks for my family. This success, it is for all of you guys. I made it, but not just me.”
The milestone victory follows up on what has been a stellar week for Zhang, who defeated world No.1 Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals, as well as ending the career of Angelique Kerber.
“I just fought every single match because there were two matches I almost lost,” Zheng reflected.
“I just feel there is a special energy to cheer me up maybe because I played for my country, I have lots of support on me this time.”
As to how the new champion is going to celebrate her gold medal triumph, she has one thing on her mind.
“Eat some good Chinese food because I’ve been eating chicken rice every single day.” She said.
It is only the second time in history China has won a gold medal at any tennis event at the Olympics. The first to do so were women’s doubles players Li Ting and Sun Tain-Tain at the 2004 Athens Games.
