Zheng learns to trust the process

A self-confessed quick-tempered competitor, Zheng Qinwen has learned the hard way that to realize her dreams of winning a major faster, she has to slow things down and be more mindful of the process.

With her highly anticipated return from her July elbow surgery just around the corner, the reigning Olympic champion remains unsure about how ready she will be when her second-round action at the China Open swings off, possibly, on Saturday. Not so long ago, such uncertainty and anxiety, she says, would have definitely driven her crazy.

The mental grind during her tough rehab, however, has taught her a lesson in introspection throughout the waiting game — not worrying too far ahead, or pushing too hard, so the game returns the favor and treats her with patience, too.

"These two months were really difficult to endure. I always wanted to play, but couldn't due to the rehab process," Zheng, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow on July 18, told China Daily at a fan-engagement event held by her sponsor Nike in Beijing's downtown on Tuesday.

"I've always been a fierce competitor, and dealt with anxiety issues at times when things didn't go my way. I've wanted results so badly, that I sometimes got carried away by my emotions on the court.

"But, tennis has taught me not only how to win, but also how to lose. There's always another day, another match and another chance to make it right.

"So, coming back, I want to be more patient with myself, focusing more on the process. And, (by doing that) I believe the results will take care of themselves," said Zheng, who, as the No 7 seed, received a first-round bye at the Beijing WTA 1000 showpiece.

Nicknamed "Fire" as a junior and known as "Queen Wen" now by fans, Zheng had pulled off some quite scintillating runs in the first half of this season, fighting into at least the quarterfinals of three WTA 1000 level tournaments, highlighted by a career-first win over her bitter Belarusian rival Aryna Sabalenka at the clay-court Rome Open in May. Zheng had lost all six of her previous encounters against the reigning world No 1.