“I feel right now a bit complicated. I feel I could do better but I didn’t in this match,” Qinwen Zheng said over a year ago after she missed out on winning her first Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open. World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka emerged victorious over her Chinese counterpart and took the final match 6-3, 6-2. Entering that event as a young WTA pro, it was a heartbreaking experience, for Zheng. Ahead of a brand new Australian Open campaign, Zheng she still regrets that golden chance she missed against Sabalenka

In a press conference, on Friday, before her first round match against Romania’s Anca Todoni, Zheng had a lot to say about her experience in Australia last year. When asked about what kind of memories she has from the previous edition, she couldn’t help but remember the loss against the Belarusian. “Hmmm… That final brings me a lot of good memories, but in the same time some pity and some sadness because I didn’t take my chance.” she said. “I would even say the sentence I ruined my chance because I feel I could do better. So takes me a while to recovery from that lost,” Zheng added.

However, the World No.5 also confessed that her defeat in 2024’s final down under taught her several lessons. “I really learned a lot,” she revealed. “That’s why each time I play against her it’s better and better. I didn’t see her any more like at beginning. In US Open I play against her the first time,” Zheng further added while referring to her growing rivalry with Sabalenka.

For the unversed, both the players have faced each other five times now. Sabalenka is currently leading the tally 5-0. After edging out Zheng in the US Open QF round last September, the three-time Major winner also beat her in the WTA Finals’ group stage in November.

Moreover, Zheng revealed that now she’s “just really looking forward to the present. I don’t think any more about the past, what I did, ’cause I just realize if I just focus on the moment, I will be better person and a better player.” While Zheng’s on-court goals are clear, that is to win her first-ever Major in Australia this month, her off-court success is also accelerating on a rapid pace. Take for example her latest deal with the globally acclaimed brand Dior.

Qinweng Zheng becomes the new face of $12.5 billion brand

Partnering with reputed brands is nothing new for the Chinese tennis sensation. Remember, last year in November she collaborated with renowned car manufacturing company Audi? But now it’s time to flaunt her fashionable side with Dior!

On Thursday, the $12.5 billion brand confirmed Qinwen Zheng as its new global brand ambassador. With this, she joined British tennis star Emma Raducanu who’s been associated with Dior for a long time now. Raducanu had joined the house of Dior back in 2021 in a reported deal worth £2($2.53 million) million. That deal was revealed following her historic US Open victory.

And now, Zheng’s involvement with Dior is sending a clear message regarding her rising fame. The Chinese star’s popularity is not limited to the tennis court anymore. It’s spreading across the globe. After revealing the World No.5 as its new face, the house of Dior revealed that Zheng “embodies the elegance and boldness of Dior style, a femininity in perpetual motion” Adding further, the French brand also mentioned, “More than ever, this unique alliance seals the house’s commitment to empowerment and self-assertion, spotlighting the multiple connections that unite the worlds of sport and couture.”

Despite losing in the Australian Open final in 2024, Zheng went on to bring the Gold medal home after scripting history at the Paris Olympics. She beat Croatia’s Donna Vekic 6-2, 6-3, back in August, earning the prestigious honor. But winning a Grand Slam is a unique experience in itself. She knows that and wants to turn this dream into a reality sooner than later. Will she make it happen this time? Only time will tell.