Qinwen Zheng Says Meeting Rafael Nadal Taught Her a Valuable Lesson

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vivek Devane | Last updated May 1, 2025 9:33 AM ET

Chinese WTA star and gold medalist Qinwen Zheng recently shared an interesting story about her first encounter with the legendary Spaniard, Rafael Nadal — a moment that left a lasting impression on her.

Speaking about the meeting, Zheng recalled how the meeting happened somewhat unexpectedly during a tournament. Her coach, Pere Riba, who also hails from Spain like Nadal, was chatting with the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Zheng was awestruck and shy at the same time and decided not to approach Rafael Nadal for a selfie.

"I didn't ask the picture from Nadal because I don't want to disturb him," Zheng explained during an interview at the Madrid Open. "We all know that players don't want to be disturbed when you're outside."

However, to her surprise Riba appeared to say something to Nadal and seconds later, he approached a stunned Zheng to strike up a conversation.

“So, they chatted together for a while and after that Nadal comes to me and says, 'Hey, do you want to take a picture?' and I said yes, that's how (the conversation) started,” Zheng says with a sheepish smile.

What may have seemed like a small gesture at the time became imprinted in Zheng’s memories. Inspired by Nadal’s thoughtfulness, Zheng now tries to always remember and carry that same humility and humbleness forward in her own way.

“After I saw many times, another fan doing that, facing a young kid — you know they are shy sometimes to ask you for a picture — so I do the same what Rafa did to me: ‘Hey, come for a picture!’” said Zheng with a laugh.

Despite Nadal's busy schedule and stature, the small and subtle encounter with him, showed Zheng why he is liked everywhere. The meeting might just last forever in Zheng’s memories as she heads deeper into the clay court swing.

Zheng is out of the Madrid Open after losing in straight sets to Anastasia Potapova.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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