With less than a month remaining before the Paris Olympics, the Chinese tennis team has announced its lineup. Leading the men’s side is Zhang Zhizhen, while the women’s team comprises Zheng Qinwen, Yuan Yue, Wang Xinyu, Wang Xiyu, Zhang Shuai, and Zheng Saisai. The team is set to compete in men’s singles, women’s singles, and women’s doubles, with mixed doubles participation hinging on final rankings. The prospect of Zhang Zhizhen and Zheng Qinwen qualifying for mixed doubles appears promising.
Historically, the Chinese team has secured two Olympic medals in tennis: a women’s doubles gold by Li Ting and Sun Tiantian in the 2004 Athens Olympics, and a bronze by Zheng Jie and Yan Zi in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The best singles result was Li Na’s fourth place in Beijing. This year’s lineup, considered the strongest since 2008, raises hopes for another medal, particularly in the women’s events.
In women’s singles, China’s top four players—Zheng Qinwen (ranked 8th), Yuan Yue (38th), Wang Xinyu (40th), and Wang Xiyu (51st)—will compete. The selection was largely expected, with the last spot coming down to Wang Xiyu and Zhu Lin. Zhu Lin’s poor performance on clay saw her ranking fall behind Wang Xiyu, who eventually secured the final spot. Given that the Olympics are held on clay this year, Wang Xiyu’s proficiency on this surface may work to her advantage.
Despite the absence of Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, the women’s singles field at the Paris Olympics remains strong, featuring top players like World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Swiatek, fresh from her third consecutive French Open win, is determined to clinch Olympic gold at Roland Garros. In a recent press conference, she emphasized the importance of the Olympics to her, influenced by her family’s deep Olympic tradition—her father was an Olympic rower. Swiatek aims to bring home the gold for Poland this year.
In women’s doubles, China will field the pairs Zhang Shuai/Yuan Yue and Wang Xinyu/Zheng Saisai. Zhang Shuai and Wang Xinyu, known for their impressive doubles results, have shown promising chemistry with their partners. Zheng Saisai, returning to the court this year, has teamed up with Wang Xinyu, making significant strides, including reaching the quarterfinals and semifinals in Madrid and Rome, and winning in Berlin. This combination is seen as China’s best shot at a medal, with strong competition expected from the Italian duo Errani/Paolini and the American pair Gauff/Pegula.
In men’s singles, notable absences include Russian players Khachanov and Rublev, the silver and gold medalists in Tokyo, respectively. While Medvedev is expected to compete, other top 20 players missing out include Dimitrov and Shelton. Andy Murray’s participation remains uncertain, depending on his recovery during Wimbledon. The new French Open champion, Alcaraz, stands as the favorite, aiming for a second Roland Garros win this year and eyeing the “Golden Slam.” Speculation surrounds a potential doubles pairing with Nadal. Djokovic, possibly eyeing his last Olympic gold attempt in Paris, is among the high-ranking players participating, along with World No. 1 Sinner and defending champion Zverev.
With a blend of seasoned players and rising stars, the Chinese tennis team heads to Paris with high hopes and strong determination to achieve Olympic glory.