Zheng Qinwen of China achieved a historic victory by defeating Donna Vekic of Croatia 6-2, 6-3 in the women’s singles tennis final at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics on Saturday. This remarkable win makes Zheng the first Chinese and first Asian player to stand atop the podium in an Olympic singles tennis event.

Over the past three years, Zheng has emerged as China’s top tennis star, making a significant impact in Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) competitions. When reflecting on the differences between playing in the Olympics, Asian Games, and WTA matches, Zheng highlighted the immense support she feels when representing the Chinese national team.

Zheng’s journey to the gold medal included a stunning semifinal victory over World No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland. This win marked Zheng’s first triumph over Swiatek after six consecutive losses, and she described it as her best match to date.

Adding to China’s success in tennis, Zheng’s compatriots Zhang Zhizhen and Wang Xinyu secured silver in the mixed doubles competition. Zheng believes that their collective achievements will significantly boost the development of tennis in China, inspiring future generations of players.

This historic Olympic victory not only cements Zheng Qinwen’s legacy but also represents a milestone for Asian tennis on the global stage.