CHINA OPEN

September 30, 2024

Zheng Qinwen

Press Conference

ZHENG QINWEN/N. Podoroska

6-3, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Congratulations on your win today. Another strong performance at home. How did you feel on court and what do you think gave you an advantage?

ZHENG QINWEN: Actually today I feel the weather is a bit cold. I start the match a bit slow. But it's okay. I'm happy to won this match. I'm looking forward for next round.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. Obviously the crowd's energy was insane tonight.

ZHENG QINWEN: Yeah.

Q. Sometimes that energy can be a little bit distracting, especially when you're trying to serve. Did you ever feel that was distracting or did it only help you build momentum?

ZHENG QINWEN: Well, I tried to use their support not as distractive, but as more support. But I feel they already did much better than last year when I came to China. I feel today the crowd, they support when they have to support, and when they have to be quiet, they stay quiet.

I feel our Chinese fans know the rules very well. I feel actually they perform as much better than the other places. I'm quite happy with them. It's not any pressure. I really enjoy to playing here.

Q. In terms of looking ahead to facing Anisimova, what is the biggest challenge? As the weather has been cooler here, you'll probably play at night, do you think that is an advantage to you, the conditions being a little bit slower?

ZHENG QINWEN: Well, obviously she's always tough to beat because she hit the ball really flat, and she's always being aggressive.

But, I mean, I had a good preparation here in China. I just got to make sure when I enter to the match, I'm already in the rhythm. I got to be more faster than today because I feel it's really tough match for me to play against her. I will give my best and see what's going to happen.

Like you say, it's going to be cold weather, but the conditions are for both of us. Doesn't matter. Let's just fight.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in Chinese.

Q. You said you started very slow today. You don't necessarily give your best performance each time. People started to be concerned when we see a slow start. People are more comfortable now because we have confidence in you, you can performance even under stress. Can you talk about any changes you've made, improvement you've made in this regard.

ZHENG QINWEN: Yes, I agree. When I enter on court, I understand sometimes my form is not that good, forehand or backhand is not that good. But I think the trick is to find a way to resolve this. Of course, this is in my mind. I will try hard not to be distracted by any factors.

In the past I lost because I was affected by these factors. But now when I'm on court, I'm focused on how to resolve these issues, focused on each point. I can actually execute that.

Q. You talk about your form. We like to talk about that when you are playing well, we say your form is good. When you are not playing well, the form is not good. What is form to you as a professional player? What kind of good tennis does it mean to you?

ZHENG QINWEN: When the form is good, you feel that you cannot lose a point. Wherever the ball is, you can just have a clean shot, you can have a good interpretation, you can forecast really well. Your movement is quick. Your serve and return is good. That's good form.

But nobody can maintain that the whole year long. I think most people would have to adjust when their form is not that good. There are swings, ups and downs. That happens to me this year.

I'm playing well here in China. After days of training, I'm feeling pretty good today.

Q. (Question about Phoenix Legend and Fan Weiqi music being played during the match.)

ZHENG QINWEN: I actually in previous interviews talked about I like the song because I read a Japanese manga, and that song was included in one of my favorite chapters. When I am down, I like to listen to songs with positive energy. I was really moved hearing the songs. It seems unreal. That song really moves me.

I think it was 5-2. I think I heard the song from the Phoenix Legend. It was really relaxing.

Q. You talk about very good preparation for the China Open after two matches. Could you be more specific? What part of the preparation was good, was critical to you?

ZHENG QINWEN: Well, first of all, fitness training was enhanced. I had targeted training in tennis tactics. After the Olympics, I did not have time to solidify my training because I was flying a lot, I was in a lot of activities. In the China Open, I had really good preparation. Hasn't been that complete for a while.

Before entering the court, I wasn't feeling 100% because I was feeling slow at the beginning. The tennis level is better than the US Open.

Q. Djokovic came here with his gold medal. I understand your gold medal is at home. When you had an interview after the Olympics, you said you will cherish the memory of the Olympics and when you are down you will think of this experience. How are you keeping your gold medal? How is that motivating you?

ZHENG QINWEN: I think this is a very funny story. People talk about Djokovic takes his gold medal everywhere he goes. It's really funny that he has the gold medal here. He actually invited me to the Great Wall, but because of the schedule, I couldn't be there.

I think, indeed, the gold medal brings me a lot of energy, just like Djokovic. He has the gold medal everywhere he goes, from Europe to the U.S. and all the way to China.

Of course, the gold medal brought him a lot of great energy. I did not have the chance to take a picture with his gold medal. I really wish I could practice with him with his gold medal.