Chinese tennis star Qinwen Zheng has become a major talking point in the sporting world after her historic gold medal win at the Paris Olympics. Nicknamed “Queen Wen” by her fans, she made history as the first Asian tennis player to secure gold in the singles category at the Games. Zheng, 22, enjoyed a spectacular 2024 season, including a runner-up finish at the Australian Open, cementing her status as one of the sport’s rising stars. This success attracted significant attention from leading brands, culminating in a landmark sponsorship deal. Recently, Zheng shared her excitement after being named the Global Ambassador for Dior, the renowned French luxury brand.
Following in the footsteps of British tennis player Emma Raducanu, Zheng’s appointment as Dior’s Global Ambassador marked a significant milestone in her career. The brand praised Zheng for embodying “the elegance and boldness of Dior style” and celebrated her as a symbol of modern femininity. During a press conference in Melbourne, Zheng expressed her joy over the partnership, describing it as a dream come true. She revealed that Dior has been one of her favorite brands since she was 16 years old, and the opportunity to represent them feels surreal.
Reflecting on her collaboration with Dior, Zheng noted, “When you have sponsors like this, you need to ensure you have the correct behavior both on and off the court because you want to match such a high brand. I feel lucky they chose me among so many Olympic champions.” This deal places Zheng as the second tennis player to partner with Dior, following Raducanu’s 2021 collaboration shortly after her US Open victory.
Despite her professional milestones, Zheng is not resting on her laurels. As she gears up for the Australian Open, she is determined to address her record against Aryna Sabalenka, her toughest competitor. A decade after Li Na’s iconic Australian Open victory, Zheng reached the final last year but fell short against Sabalenka. Reflecting on the loss, Zheng admitted to mixed emotions, stating, “That final brings me good memories but also some sadness because I feel I didn’t take my chance. It took me time to recover, but I learned a lot.”
Zheng has faced Sabalenka five times and lost on every occasion. However, she remains optimistic about her chances, saying, “Each time I play against her, the results are getting closer and closer. It’s tough, but I feel progress every time. I’m focusing on my next match, but I believe I’m getting closer to the breakthrough.”
Zheng’s Australian Open campaign begins with a first-round match against Romanian qualifier Anca Todoni, with a potential quarterfinal clash against Sabalenka on the horizon. Fans eagerly anticipate whether Zheng can finally overcome her nemesis and establish herself as one of the dominant forces in tennis.
The question remains: Can Zheng finally break her losing streak against Sabalenka and solidify her place at the top of the sport? Share your thoughts and join the debate as the Australian Open unfolds.