Facing Novak Djokovic Comes With a Price Tag for WTA Chinese Star as She Gets Real About Feeling the ‘Pressure’

The tennis ace from China, Qinwen Zheng began her 2024 season with the United Cup tournament that took place in Australia. Her performance was impeccable in the singles matches where she made her way to the quarterfinals with ease. However, what stood out for her at the tournament was her mixed doubles match against Serbia.

And the reason why that happened was because she got to play against the world number one Novak Djokovic in the match. Post her match, Qinwen mentioned in one of her interviews that even though she got to learn a lot, she also felt very pressurized while playing against the 24-time grand slam winner.

Qinwen Zheng got to learn a lot from her doubles match against Novak Djokovic

Qinwen Zheng was paired with Zhang Zhizen when they had to play against Serbia for the United Cup. They both played against Olga Danilovic and Novak Djokovic in the mixed doubles. Even though Zheng lost the match against team Serbia, she shared that she learned something. She also added that playing against Djokovic is no piece of cake.

Zheng shared in the interview, “Playing against Djokovic in the mixed doubles match was very helpful because it’s different between watching him play from far away and actually playing with him on the court. I have learned a lot from him, even in a mixed doubles match, because he is in perfect form with every skill and in every detail. I felt the pressure of facing the history maker in that match.”

According to her, when she actually got to play against Djokovic, she could see how well-trained and refined he was in the sport. That made her feel pressurized. Besides talking about her experience of playing against Djokovic, Zheng also shared what helped her get through difficult matches such as when she played against Iga Swiatek.

Also read: ‘He Is Not Loved’ – Fans Take Vicious Swipe At Novak Djokovic As He Fails To Claim ATP ‘Favorite’ Award In Roger Federer And Rafael Nadal’s Absence

Zheng talks about her experience of playing against Iga Swiatek

After making it to the quarterfinals of the United Cup, China lost their way in the tournament against Poland. Zheng was defeated by the world’s number one in women’s tennis, Iga Swiatek. Talking about the same, she shared that when she was playing against Swiatek, she found it difficult to breathe properly because she was suffering from a cold.

Further, she also added that she does not regret any loss that she had to face. Zheng also shared that in these situations, a bit of self-talk brings a certain amount of peace. However, she is still trying to figure out how to bring out the best in herself and stay sharp on the court.

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