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Paris 2024 Olympic Games
OpinionLetters

Letters | Why Zheng Qinwen’s Olympic tennis gold for China matters

  • Readers discuss a milestone for Chinese tennis, and why China should shorten children’s school hours

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Zheng Qinwen of China celebrates after winning the women’s singles gold medal match at Roland Garros in Paris on August 3. Photo: Reuters
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Zheng Qinwen won China’s first Olympic tennis singles gold at Roland Garros, the clay-court facility that hosts the annual French Open, a milestone not only for the 21-year-old but also Chinese tennis.

Polish tennis champion Iga Swiatek had won the past three French Opens, but lost to Zheng in the Olympics semi-finals. In the final, Zheng defeated Croatian Donna Vekic in straight sets.

For tennis, Zheng’s Olympic triumph may represent a shift in the pecking order. Coming after Li Na’s Grand Slam victories, Zhang’s success might help establish China as a tennis superpower by inspiring countless young Chinese to follow in her footsteps.

Zheng’s win also has implications for women’s tennis. The sport has traditionally been dominated by Western players, and the sight of a Chinese athlete on the winner’s podium is a powerful reminder of the global nature of the game. Zheng may well open the door for more diverse representation at the highest levels of tennis, while the tennis world holds its breath, waiting to see what the future holds for this talented young player.

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Serena Hung, Tseung Kwan O

To lift China’s economy, shorten school hours

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