Zheng on the podium after tenniss womens singles medal ceremony on August 3.
Born in 2002 in Shiyan, China, Zheng started playing tennis at age seven.
It was really tough, Zheng said, looking back at those early days.
Photo: Getty Images
My mom used to come visit on weekends.
When she left, I would hold her leg and cry.
When she was gone, I would always hold her jacket.
Zheng on the podium after tennis’s women’s singles medal ceremony on August 3.
This was until I was 13.
After that, it got easier.
And we moved to Europe when I was 17.
Photo: Courtesy of Nike
(Zheng had fallen to Swiatek six straight times before their Olympics meeting.)
With Iga, I was clear, Zheng said.
I know why I lost to her before.
Photo: Getty Images
I played rushed, I made too many unforced errors, I wanted to hit faster than her.
I wanted to prove my power.
But in these Games, I didnt think like this.
Zheng also chased down drop shots with the proverbial jets on.
The schedule this year has been crazy, Zheng said.
I am practicing during shower time, every day!
Zheng is cognizant, too, of the effects her milestone achievement in Paris will have.
