Paris Olympics champion Zheng Qinwen said on Tuesday she hopes to use the fervent support of the home crowd to propel her to a first China Open title.
The world number seven is back in Beijing fresh from making history as the first Chinese player to win an Olympic singles tennis gold.
The China Open, which begins today, is a WTA 1000 event and among the most prestigious in the women’s tennis calendar.
“People start to get tired at the end of the season. For me it’s different,” said the 21-year-old Zheng, finalist at the Australian Open.
“I’m really motivated to come and play in China, in front of my people. I know they’re going to support me.”
With that comes pressure, but Zheng says she is physically fresh, has prepared well and has “big expectations” of herself.
After Beijing, the player dubbed “Queen Wen” will play the Wuhan Open.
“I think I don’t consider that like big pressure,” she said of the support she will receive in the coming weeks.
“I will consider it like big support. Especially when I’m feeling down, I see all the people support me.
She added: “It is quite different to play in China compared to rest of the world. I know basically all of them, going to be 95 percent of the crowd, they are going to support me.
“It is a big confidence. Is also a big energy there when I’m playing on court.”
Zheng sees a difference now compared to before she was the Olympic champion.
“When I was at the airport, people wouldn’t recognise me if they’re not interested in tennis. My fame was only within the tennis circle,” she told a packed press conference in the Chinese capital.
“But now when I go to a restaurant, people ask me for autographs.
“I feel the impact. I feel a sense of responsibility now here in China.”
Chief among Zheng’s title rivals at the China Open will be the top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who comfortably beat her in the Australian Open final at the start of the year.

Poland’s Hurkacz to fund flood victims with each ace he hits
World number eight Hubert Hurkacz said on Tuesday he will donate €100 to Poland flood victims for every ace he hits until the end of the season.
At least 23 people died across central Europe this week due to the worst floods the region has seen in two decades. The areas along the Czech-Polish border have been particularly hard hit since the weekend. In the 2023 season, the pole became a part of an exclusive club of nine players who have achieve the extraordinary feat of serving 1000 plus aces during an ATP Tour season.
“I will be donating 100 Euros for every ace I hit to support those affected by the devastating floods in Poland. For me, sport is not just a competition, but also a platform to drive impact. #acesforaid,” Hurkacz wrote on X on Tuesday.
The floods have left trail of destruction from Romania to Poland, spreading mud and debris in towns, destroying bridges, submerging cars and leaving authorities and householders with a bill for damages that will run into billions of dollars.