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Qinwen Zheng has earned a reputation among some star players for being edgy on the court and her demeanor isn’t going to change at the Australian Open. Having returned to the season’s first Slam with rocky memories at Melbourne Park from last year, the Chinese superstar overcame the first hurdle to advance at the hardcourt event. Later, she issued a stern warning to her competitors and told them not to expect a “smiley” face if an AO showdown doesn’t go her way. A hug is also out of the question.

The young talent enjoyed a breakthrough in 2024. She outclassed Polish No. 1 Iga Swiatek en route to clinching the elusive gold medal at the Paris Olympics and later, claimed three WTA titles. However, the aftermath of those results wasn’t all merry. American Emma Navarro last year said she felt “disrespected” by her and labeled her as “cut-throat” following their Olympics encounter. Zheng then diverted all focus to herself after failing to make eye contact and recording a frosty handshake with Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open.

However, at the net on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, there were no signs of similar behavior when she shook hands with Romanian Anca Todoni after downing her 7-6 (7/3), 6-1 during the opening singles tie in Melbourne. Surprised with the outcome, reporters later asked Qinwen her thoughts about shaking hands with her opponents in a post-match presser.

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“I always give a handshake to my opponent because I feel that’s the basic respect. Doesn’t matter if I win or I lose, I always give a handshake,” said last year’s AO finalist. “But not always I give a handshake with a smiley face. This I know myself. Usually, I don’t often give a hug to my opponent as well, because I feel that is not necessary for me. I come just here to play a match. If I lost, I will give you just a basic respect and that’s it,” Zheng added.

“That’s why you will not see me lose one match with a happy face to the opponent. If you saw that on me, that is very strange, which means I don’t care about that match on that day,”  the Chinese star further remarked.

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Though her demeanor at the net has received wide criticism from fellow players and fans, lamenting her cold and dismissive handshakes, Qinwen, meanwhile, has found her peace off the court.

Qinwen Zheng opens up about her off-court passions in Melbourne

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Is Qinwen Zheng's 'cut-throat' attitude a winning strategy or just poor sportsmanship?

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Qinwen Zheng has returned to Melbourne Park in a bid to become the second Chinese player after Li Na to lift a Slam title. While her impressionable on-court personality has, at times, left a negative mark on her rivals, the World No. 5 has enjoyed her journey in the sport and also, found solace off-court despite the increasing demands on her time due to the much-lamented hectic calendar schedule.

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During the same post-match press conference, the Chinese star said: “I feel the tennis court is one place, it’s my dream. It’s like where I want to become better. But also I can find peace outside of the tennis court. I love reading, I love singing. I feel every time when I sing, I am in that flow also, same like on the tennis court. When I am reading or writing, it is the same things.”

Next up, Qinwen will gear up for her second-round action at the Australian Open slated to showcase on Wednesday, January 15. Do you think she can go one better and win the title this year? Let us know in the comments below.

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Is Qinwen Zheng's 'cut-throat' attitude a winning strategy or just poor sportsmanship?