The comeback of Qinwen Zheng: "I used to think winning was like drinking water"

How we missed this version of Qinwen Zheng. The Chinese player had fallen outside the top 100 after suffering an injury that prevented her from competing throughout 2025, but after many work sessions, it seems that her confidence is back in its usual place.

This WTA 1000 in Beijing confirms that the Chinese is now making her mark on the big stages. Today is the latest example, with a strong victory over Elina Svitolina to advance to the semifinals, where she will clash with Elise Mertens. Regardless of the ranking, Qinwen will be the favorite, although to reach this point, she must understand what she experienced in all the previous ones. A tunnel of shadows where Zheng learned to value the good days at work.

A victory to regain confidence

"This has been a really good victory for me. I think Svitolina also played her best tennis, so I’m happy to have hit so many winners during the match and, in the end, for being brave in the important moments. I finished with some really good winners."

Look what it means 💪 Zheng Qinwen secures a spot in the semifinal in Beijing! That reaction 🤩 #ChinaOpen https://t.co/yTQQn23rub

— wta (@WTA) October 9, 2026

Qinwen Zheng and the price of starting over

"What I did during my last preseason remains unforgettable for me. I faced many physical difficulties, not only because of the weather and training but also mentally. I remember not being able to play many tournaments and having to accept that, so I needed that work period and to accept that my coach was tough on me on the court. I remember Pere told me: “Right now, you are ranked number 140, before you were around 65. You need to listen to me more because you are no longer that top 10 player.” Inside, I was very upset, but I had to calm down and accept that this was the reality. It seems that the effort is paying off."

The key to Qinwen Zheng's renaissance

"I didn't expect all this to come so soon because I was very focused on the present. At that time, I was too down to think very far into the future. I've gone through many different chapters, with good and bad moments since my junior years. I didn’t expect this last difficult stage to last so long, which is why I value opportunities much more now. Before, I thought winning a match was like drinking water, something normal. Now I am more grateful for each victory because I understand how much effort goes into it. I have learned to enjoy both the triumphs and the work I do on the court."

Bad moments count too

"My biggest lesson is that low moments aren't necessarily bad, being positive every day is really difficult. When I'm down, I have the energy to step forward. I've seen my shortcomings and the weaknesses in my personality; tough moments have helped me improve. When you're on top, you're happy, but that doesn't help you reflect too much. It's precisely when you're down that you have to face challenges; that allows you to think, grow, and learn because you always end up finding a way out of those moments."

A more aggressive and mature tennis player

"I want to be a more aggressive player. It has always been my dream and ambition, and I’m very happy to have become that tennis player over time. Before, I relied more on my consistency and my opponents' mistakes, but now I seize opportunities when they arise. I played the last two points of the tiebreak very well because I took the initiative. I can control my winners and unforced errors; I am increasingly able to make smarter decisions during a match. Now I am 24 years old, and my team tells me I need to be more mature and smarter."

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El renacimiento de Qinwen Zheng: "Antes pensaba que ganar era como beber agua"