Zheng Qinwen's (郑钦文) breakthrough year continued with an inspiring run to the final of the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh. Despite falling short in a dramatic encounter with Coco Gauff, Zheng's journey was a testament to her incredible growth and determination. The final, which lasted 3 hours and 4 minutes, saw Zheng take the first set 6-3, only to see Gauff fight back in the following two sets, winning 6-4 and 7-6. Although Zheng could not clinch the title, her performance throughout the week showed that she has genuinely arrived among tennis's elite.
In a match that was as emotionally taxing as physically demanding, Zheng had her chances. Leading 3-1 in the second set and holding a 5-4 advantage in the decider, she was just two points away from the title. However, Gauff's composure and adaptability under pressure proved decisive. Despite saving four championship points, Zheng ultimately couldn't maintain her momentum, succumbing in a tightly contested tiebreak. This narrow defeat highlighted just how close Zheng was to achieving her dream, but it also underscored how much she has learned on the world stage.
Though Zheng's quest for a first WTA Finals title fell short, 2024 has been a year filled with extraordinary milestones. This season marked several "firsts" for the 22-year-old Chinese player: her first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open, her first Olympic gold medal, and her first appearances in both the WTA 1000 finals and the WTA Finals. These accomplishments were no flukes. Zheng's rise through the ranks has been meteoric, with her performance at the WTA Finals cementing her place among the world's top players.
Despite not winning the championship, Zheng's performance at the WTA Finals was impressive. She became the second Chinese player in history to reach the final of this prestigious event, following in the footsteps of Li Na, who reached the final in 2013. Three significant victories marked Zheng's journey to the final in Riyadh. She defeated former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, triumphed over the 2023 French and Wimbledon runner-up Beatriz Haddad Maia, and won both encounters against Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova. These wins illustrated her ability to compete—and succeed—against the highest level of opposition, an achievement in which she can take immense pride.
The Road to the Top
The loss in the final, especially after leading in the second and third sets, was undoubtedly a bitter pill for Zheng. Reflecting on the match, Zheng acknowledged that she had moments where her impatience led to unforced errors, particularly during the tiebreak of the third set. Gauff, by contrast, played with the calmness of a seasoned champion, which ultimately made the difference. But despite the disappointment, Zheng quickly recognized the lessons that would serve her in future battles.
"I've learned a lot from this final," she said after the match. "It was tough, but I'm already looking forward to facing these players again next year." Zheng's response revealed the mindset of a champion in the making. She has already beaten top players like Iga Świątek and Rybakina this year, and the prospect of future showdowns with Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka doesn't daunt her. In fact, it excites her. By taking down these top-tier opponents, Zheng has already begun building the confidence she needs to challenge for prominent titles.
The experience gained from the WTA Finals will be invaluable as she continues to build her career. Though she didn't add the trophy to her collection this time, Zheng is already eyeing the next challenge with a sense of purpose. Her ability to compete with—and sometimes defeat—the best players in the world is a sign of her readiness to claim the biggest titles in the game.
Zheng's run to the final of the WTA Finals is another vital chapter in the history of Chinese tennis. Following Li Na's footsteps, Zheng's success has helped bring the sport to greater prominence in China, inspiring a new generation of tennis players. With her rapid rise, Zheng has also become a role model for young athletes, showing them that the impossible is possible with hard work and determination.
Her remarkable year also brought her to the cusp of the top 5 in the WTA rankings, a position she is poised to maintain heading into the 2025 season. With just four points separating her from fourth place, Zheng Qinwen could break into the top 4 in the coming months, which would have significant implications for seeding in upcoming Grand Slams, notably the Australian Open. Her presence in the top tier of women's tennis is a testament to the hard work she has put in, and it will be fascinating to see how she builds on this success in the next chapter of her career.
The Future is Bright
While Zheng Qinwen may not have clinched the championship in Riyadh, her performance at the 2024 WTA Finals and her stellar season overall show that she is a player to watch in the years to come. She has already gathered an impressive array of finals appearances across different levels of the sport, and next year, she will undoubtedly be looking to turn those appearances into titles. With her talent, resilience, and growing confidence, Zheng has all the tools to achieve even greater success in the future.
The blueprint is clear: Zheng will continue to challenge the best in the sport and will be a significant contender in future Grand Slam events. As she continues to learn from each experience—whether in victory or defeat—her time as one of the world's top tennis players is just beginning. Will 2025 be the year Zheng Qinwen finally claims that elusive first major title? Only time will tell, but one thing is sure: the future of Chinese tennis looks brighter than ever.
