Zheng Qinwen delighted with WTA lifting China ban after Peng Shuai controversy: Excited to play in front of my people

20-year-old Zheng Qinwen was over the moon at the prospect of playing in front of her home crowd after the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) lifted its ban on China.

Back on December 2021, the WTA suspended tournaments in China after former player Peng Shuai alleged a top Chinese government official of sexual assault.

Thereafter, the WTA released a statement where it suspended the sport in China “out of concern for her safety and the safety of our players and staff”. Back in 2014, Peng was ranked No.1 in doubles and was the first Chinese player (male or female) to attain the top rank.

Zheng, who is currently taking part in the Stuttgart Open, said that she is excited about returning home. “I’m so happy the tournaments in China will finally be back because I’m really excited to play in front of my people,” Qinwen was quoted as saying.

“I really miss China because it has been a long time, I never have time to come back there. Since the tournaments have started, I will have more time to go back to my hometown and meet all my family and to show my tennis over there,” she stated.

Zheng, who is the 25th ranked player in the WTA, said that she isn’t quite aware of Peng’s whereabouts.

“But I think she’s pretty well in China. Honestly, I don’t know how she is. I just focus more on myself,” Qinwen added.

On Monday, Zheng beat USA’s Alycia Parks 6-4, 6-4 in the Round of 32 of the clay court tournament. The youngster is now set to face World No.1 Iga Swiatek in the second round on Thursday, April 20.