Zheng Qinwen, one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis, has been grappling with the pressures of fame following her breakthrough performances in 2024. The 22-year-old Chinese player, who shot to global prominence after reaching the Australian Open final and securing a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, recently shared the challenges of her rising popularity in China. Now competing in Japan, Zheng is finding relief in the quieter atmosphere, enjoying a rare moment of anonymity that contrasts sharply with her recent experiences back home.
### A Rising Star Under Constant Watch in China
From late September to mid-October, Zheng competed in two of China’s premier tennis events, the WTA 1000 tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan. These tournaments are among the most prestigious on the WTA calendar, attracting top talent from around the world, but it was clear who the main attraction was: Zheng Qinwen. As a native of Wuhan and a star who has captivated the Chinese audience with her meteoric rise, Zheng was the undisputed face of these events.
In both tournaments, Zheng delivered stellar performances. She reached the semifinals in Beijing and advanced to the final in her hometown of Wuhan, reinforcing her status as China’s leading tennis star. However, with this success came the challenge of handling a new level of fame. Wherever she went, Zheng was followed by crowds of eager fans, all vying for a moment of her time.
“Everywhere I go there must be security because people come up to me and ask for autographs,” Zheng revealed, highlighting the need for constant security as her fame grew. While she acknowledged the positive side of increased recognition, the attention came with its own set of difficulties. “It’s a good thing because I’m more famous, but at the same time, you feel like you are always under people’s eyes.”
### A Glimpse into the Pressures of Fame
For Zheng, the autograph sessions became a near-daily routine. During her stay in China, there were occasions where as many as 50 fans would line up for her signature, keeping her occupied for up to 40 minutes at a time. This kind of attention might be a dream come true for some athletes, but for Zheng, it was both exhilarating and exhausting.
One particular incident stood out to her, highlighting the intensity of the fan fervor. After returning to China from Cincinnati, she found herself stopped for 40 minutes by enthusiastic supporters who just wanted to catch a glimpse of their new sporting hero. The constant demands on her time and attention, while flattering, left her feeling perpetually observed, with little room for personal space.
### A Change of Pace in Japan: The Calm After the Storm
After her rigorous schedule in China, Zheng took a week off to recharge both mentally and physically. This downtime was much needed after back-to-back deep runs in two of the year’s most demanding tournaments. Now back in action, she is competing at the WTA 500 Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, a tournament known for its relaxed atmosphere compared to the high-octane events in China.
Tokyo has proven to be a welcome change of pace for Zheng. Despite being the tournament’s top seed, the attention has been far less overwhelming than it was back home. “I can have breakfast here alone. Three days in a row, breakfast alone, nobody cares about me,” she said with a mix of relief and amusement. “Nobody comes and asks for signatures. I just feel normal.” For Zheng, this anonymity has been a chance to regain some of the normalcy she craved, allowing her to focus solely on her game without the pressures of constant fan interaction.
In Tokyo, Zheng started with a first-round bye and moved smoothly into the round-of-16, where she defeated Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima. Her focus now is on maintaining her form and composure in the quieter environment of Japan, a stark contrast to the intensity of her experiences in China.
### The Dual Nature of Fame: Thrill and Challenge
Zheng’s contrasting experiences in China and Japan highlight the dual nature of fame for rising sports stars. On one hand, the adulation she received in China is a testament to her hard work and growing influence. As a top Chinese player, her success has inspired countless fans and brought a renewed sense of excitement to tennis in her home country. However, this level of recognition has also brought about new challenges — managing public appearances, dealing with the demands of fans, and navigating the emotional strain of constant scrutiny.
Zheng has embraced her new role as a public figure with grace, but her experience in Japan underscores the need for balance. While the support of fans can be motivating, athletes also need space to breathe, reflect, and maintain a sense of normalcy in their lives. Zheng’s time in Japan has allowed her to find that balance, enjoying moments of solitude that were hard to come by in the bustling atmosphere of Beijing and Wuhan.
### A Promising Future Amidst Growing Fame
As the 2024 season comes to a close, Zheng Qinwen remains one of the most promising young players on the WTA tour. Her performances this year, including a finalist appearance at the Australian Open and her triumph at the Paris Olympics, have cemented her place among the sport’s elite. Her continued success in Asia, particularly in China, has sparked a renewed interest in tennis across the region, making her one of the most influential athletes in the country.
Yet, the pressures of fame are not to be underestimated. Navigating the balance between being a public figure and a top-tier athlete will be an ongoing challenge for Zheng. However, her candid reflections on the joys and burdens of fame suggest she has the maturity to handle it. With her ability to adapt to different environments — from the intensity of China to the calm of Japan — she has shown resilience both on and off the court.
### Looking Ahead: A Bright 2025
Zheng’s experiences in 2024, both the highs and the challenges, have prepared her for what promises to be an exciting 2025. As she continues to hone her game and manage the expectations that come with stardom, she remains a formidable presence on the tour. Her time in Japan has allowed her to reset and recharge, and she is well-positioned to carry this momentum into the next season.
For now, Zheng Qinwen is enjoying the rare moments of quiet that Tokyo affords her, knowing that the spotlight will soon return. As she navigates the demands of fame, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: becoming the best player she can be while inspiring the next generation of tennis stars in China and beyond.