"My dad almost sold our house... all sacrifices were worth it" - Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen painfully recalls financial troubles growing up
Zheng Qinwen claimed her family made many 'sacrifices' to help her reach her potential in tennis. The Chinese player believes all those sacrifices have paid off as she is now an Olympic gold medalist.
On August 3, Zheng took on Donna Vekic in the final of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 21-year-old outclassed her Croatian opponent to win the match 6-2, 6-3.
In a recent interview, Zheng opened up about the sacrifices that led to her becoming a professional tennis player.
“When I was 14-15, my dad almost sold our house to fund my tennis lessons. He knew I had potential, and wanted to give all he could to realize my dream,” Zheng Qinwen said (translated from Chinese).
She also spoke about how tennis frustrates her and makes her doubt herself but it was all worth it in the end.
“Yes no doubt, tennis frustrates me, makes me cry and question myself, however I have always believed that one day I will taste success, and the moment I clinched Gold in the Olympics, all the sacrifices were worth it,” Zheng added.
The parents of the Olympic singles gold medalist emotionally embraced each other when they watched their daughter atop the podium wearing gold around her neck.
Zheng Qinwen credited her parents for believing in her and helping her win the Olympic gold medal
World No. 7 Zheng Qinwen showcased impressive performances to win the Paris Olympics gold medal. She defeated the likes of Emma Navarro and Angelique Kerber before taking on World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinal.
The Pole was on a 25-match win streak at Roland Garros before taking to the court against the Chinese player. Zheng, however, was unfazed as she ousted Swiatek in straight sets. Donna Vekic was Zheng's final victim as the 21-year-old won the gold.
During a post-match interview, Zheng explained how her parents pushed her to become the player she is today.
"He [My father] pushed me hard. Even on Chinese New Year there was no rest. He'd take me to the track, he'd make me run up and down stairs to make my body work... I got two or three days' rest when I was 14 or 15. My success comes a lot from my parents. They allowed me to stay focused on my dream," Zheng Qinwen said (via Barron's).
"So thanks mum and dad. I couldn't have done it without you. I love you," she added.
China's previous best performance in a tennis singles event was a semifinal exit for Li Na. Zheng, who idolizes the Chinese tennis legend, created history by winning China's first Olympic medal in tennis singles.