‘I Want to Kill My Opponent’ – Despite Coach Betrayal, Qinwen Zheng Has Nothing but Massive Respect for New Mom Naomi Osaka

Over the past few months, the tennis world has had many coaching split-ups that have caused quite an intense atmosphere for those concerned. Take the example of Novak Djokovic’s split with Goran Ivanisevic. This episode was widely talked about after the two ended years of a highly successful partnership. Another such split occurred between Chinese star, Qinwen Zheng and Wim Fissette. Recently, the former spoke on this matter after defeating Naomi Osaka at the Italian Open.

During an interview, Zheng was asked if she was fired up while facing Naomi Osaka, who had Fissette on her team. She said, “If you ask me this a few months before, after we break like 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, yes absolutely. I got very fired up. I want to kill my opponent. I want to put my frustration out. But after many months, 6-7 months already, it’s just a normal match for me. I treat her like my usual opponent.”

Toward the end of 2023, Fissette announced an abrupt end to his partnership with Zheng. Subsequently, he went on to join Osaka’s team. Zheng felt betrayed by this sudden split and expressed her disappointment in this matter, saying, “He broke the contract. This is very immoral. I understand his decision, but my family and I feel hurt. Right now I don’t want to talk about this person.”

While the betrayal is not as fresh in her mind now, the fire was alive in Zheng while she faced Osaka. She dominated her Japanese opponent from start to end and comfortably won her pre-quarterfinal encounter in Rome in straight sets 6-2, 6-4. Despite the intense aggression, Qinwen Zheng had some kind words for her opponent after her win.

Qinwen Zheng lauds Naomi Osaka for coming back stronger

Last year, Osaka welcomed her first child. Subsequently, she made a comeback to the court earlier this year and has been going on strong since, which has left Qinwen Zheng impressed. Despite her ex-coach joining Osaka’s team, the Chinese star had some kind words for Osaka.

In what was a tribute to Osaka and all the mothers who returned to the court after pregnancy, Zheng said, “Of course, I have more respect to her, she come back as a mother. As a woman, I think, really not easy, I have all the respect for all the tennis players who come back as a mother.”

Although yet to win a title after her comeback, Osaka has impressed one and all with her performances. She even reached the quarterfinal of the Qatar Open, which remains her best result since her return. Meanwhile, Zheng will face Coco Gauff for a place in the Italian Open semifinals.