Qinwen Zheng beats Donna Vekic to win historic Olympic gold for China

The young athlete triumphed with a score of 6-2, 6-3, marking only the second tennis gold for China after Li Ting and Sun Tiantian's victory in the women's doubles event at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Zheng's remarkable win took place at Court Philippe Chatrier in Roland Garros, the same venue where her compatriot Li Na made history in 2011 by becoming China's first Grand Slam champion. Reflecting on her achievement, Zheng expressed her overwhelming emotions, emphasizing the challenges she faced in each round and her determination to secure a medal for her country.

The tennis star surpassed the Olympic record set by Li, who achieved a fourth-place finish in Beijing in 2008. Zheng expressed her belief that her country would take pride in her accomplishment, echoing her own sense of pride. She mentioned her family's support from home, imagining them cheering her on while watching the competition.

Zheng's fighting spirit was evident in her statement, highlighting the special energy she feels when representing her country on the court. She emphasized her unwavering determination, stating, "I never give up."

Zheng, ranked seventh in the world and the runner-up at the Australian Open, capitalized on getting into a rhythm faster than her opponent and broke for a 2-0 advantage.

Vekic and Zheng engaged in a fierce battle with powerful shots, but the Chinese player's 12 winners compared to the Croatian's three proved to be crucial. Zheng's precision was evident once again as she secured a set-clinching break in the eighth game.

Zheng had previously saved a match point in a tough third-round victory over Emma Navarro and ended Iga Swiatek's 25-match winning streak at Roland Garros to reach the gold medal match.

Having been tested in those matches, Zheng started the second set by holding to love in the opening game and then breaking again for a 2-0 lead as the errors mounted for 28-year-old Vekic.

Despite this, Vekic, who had eliminated world number two Coco Gauff in the third round and saved a match point in her quarter-final win over Marta Kostyuk, fought back with her first service break of the contest.

Zheng prevented any chance of a comeback by converting a fourth break point for a 5-3 lead before securing victory in the following game.

"I'm disappointed," Vekic stated. "But once everything settles, I will be proud of myself."

Swiatek claimed the bronze medal on Friday by defeating Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.

Zheng experienced a tumultuous tournament, requiring consecutive three-hour matches to overcome Navarro and former world number one Angelique Kerber. In each match, she had to rally from behind, with Navarro going as far as criticizing her as "cut-throat" and lacking respect.

SportsLigue