Olympic gold. Runner-up at the Australian Open. Two WTA titles, the final at the WTA Finals and concluding the season at a career-best world No. 5.
They were all outstanding feats accomplished by Zheng Qinwen in 2024. Instead of basking in her achievements, though, Zheng wants more.
READ: Five reasons we love Zheng Qinwen
The big-hitting Chinese baseliner made that abundantly clear when she spoke with reporters at Melbourne Park ahead of Australian Open 2025.
“I always feel like my practice is not good enough,” said Zheng. “I always feel there is something I could do better. Always in the fitness side is the same. Treatment is the same.
“To the coach I say, ‘I think my backhand down the line is to improve. I think my return is to improve.’ I always come on the court with, ‘Okay, we are not good enough.’
“I'm right now Top 5, but still far away from my goal.”
Zheng didn’t mention what her goal is, but it isn’t a stretch to believe that landing a maiden Grand Slam title lies at or near the top of the list.
For now, countrywoman Li Na remains the lone Chinese player to win a Grand Slam singles title.
READ: Li Na returns to the Australian Open a decade after historic win
Zheng and Li spent time together at last year’s tournament, though Aryna Sabalenka scuppered a poignant anniversary - Li had won the title 10 years earlier - by successfully defending her crown.
“If I am a boss in my team, I think I am a tough boss for them,” Zheng added. “I’ve been pushing everyone.”
Unlike any of her Top 10 peers (barring the injured Barbora Krejcikova), Zheng didn’t contest a tournament in the build-up but focused on her off-season training after a little break.
The team she spoke of now includes Dante Bottini, who formerly worked with players including Kei Nishikori and Grigor Dimitrov. Pere Riba, alongside 12 months ago, didn’t accompany Zheng to Melbourne as the Spaniard is recovering from hip surgery.
“We have good work together,” Zheng said of Bottini. “He brings me some new opinion. I just follow his advice.
“I didn't choose to play any tournament before the Australian Open because I think for me it’s important to have long time, pre-season.
“Let's see how it goes this year.”
As Zheng reflected on the final against Sabalenka - who sports a 5-0 record against her - she admitted to feeling “sadness.” Not necessarily due to the outcome but rather how she played.
“I would even say the sentence I ruined my chance because I feel I could do better,” said Zheng.
“So it took me a while to recover from that loss. At the same time I really learned a lot. That's why each time I play against her it's better and better.
“I’m just really looking forward to the present. I don't think any more about the past, what I did, 'cause I just realise if I just focus on the moment, I will be a better person and a better player.”
Possibilities abound for tantalising rematches in Zheng’s half of the draw.
She could meet Sabalenka in the quarterfinals and Gauff in the semifinals - the United Cup MVP narrowly edged Zheng at the WTA Finals.
If either of those scenarios materialises, it would counter Zheng’s stint last year, when she didn’t meet a Top 50 player ahead of the final.
A Zheng-Iga Swiatek final, meanwhile, would mark a repeat of the Olympic semifinal, when Zheng ended the Pole’s 25-match Roland Garros winning streak.
Zheng has the pleasure of opening play at Rod Laver Arena on Day 1, playing Romanian qualifier Anca Todoni.
“I feel very excited to be back at the Australian Open,” she said. “All my team, we love to play here in Australia.”