Rising tennis star Zheng Qinwen has made headlines not only for her performances but also for her frosty post-match demeanor. The 22-year-old World No. 5, known for her no-nonsense attitude, has defended her “cold handshakes,” emphasizing that she values competition over camaraderie. After a series of viral moments following losses, including a notable handshake with Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open, Zheng addressed the controversy head-on during the Australian Open.
Zheng’s Philosophy: Respect Without Smiles
Zheng, who clinched gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, insists her post-match demeanor reflects her competitive spirit.
“I always give a handshake to my opponent. I feel that’s basic respect. It doesn’t matter if I win or lose, I will give a handshake,” Zheng explained.
However, the Chinese star clarified that her handshakes rarely come with a smile. “I know myself. I don’t often hug my opponent because I feel that’s unnecessary. I come here just to play a match. If I lose, I will give basic respect and that’s it,” she said.
Zheng added that smiling after a defeat would feel disingenuous to her. “If you did see me lose a match and then have a happy face towards my opponent, that would be strange. It would mean I didn’t care about that match on that day.”
Controversy and Criticism
Zheng’s straightforward approach hasn’t always sat well with her peers. Players like Emma Navarro have described her as “disrespectful” and “cut-throat,” while Donna Vekic hinted at behind-the-scenes stories that paint the Chinese star in a negative light.
Despite these remarks, Zheng remains unfazed by the criticism. Her frosty handshake with Aryna Sabalenka at the 2024 US Open became a viral moment, but she has continued to prioritize her authenticity over others’ perceptions.
A Strong Start in Melbourne
While Zheng’s demeanor off the court may stir debate, her performance on it remains undeniable. She opened her Australian Open campaign with a hard-fought 7-6 (3), 6-1 victory over Romanian qualifier Anca Todoni.
Unlike her more contentious moments, Zheng smiled warmly as she shook Todoni’s hand after the match, a reflection of her good spirits following the win.
Zheng now prepares to face either Laura Siegemund or Hailey Baptiste in the second round, aiming to build on her strong start in Melbourne.
Zheng’s Unapologetic Identity
Zheng Qinwen’s competitive edge is central to her identity as a player. While her demeanor may ruffle feathers, it’s a testament to her intense focus and drive to succeed.
For Zheng, the tennis court is a battlefield, not a stage for social niceties. As she continues to rise in the WTA rankings, her unapologetic approach will likely remain a defining feature of her career.