Zheng Qinwen became the first Chinese player to win Olympic tennis singles gold when she defeated Croatia’s Donna Vekic on Saturday, hailing her victory as a “proud” moment for herself and her country.
The 21-year-old came through 6-2, 6-3, winning only China’s second ever tennis gold after Li Ting and Sun Tiantian’s women’s doubles triumph at Athens in 2004. Zheng’s victory came on the same Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros where in 2011 celebrated compatriot Li Na became China’s first Grand Slam champion in a landmark moment for the sport.
I always want to become one of the Asians that can inspire young kids and make them love tennis more, because tennis is such a great sport, especially for girls. You need to fight. You need to have strength. You need to be fast,” said Zheng, who signed several autographs for members of the crowd after the match. “After this gold medal, I feel, finally, I can play tennis more relaxed.
