Tim Henman believes that Zheng Qinwen has just scratched the surface after her impressive run at the 2024 Australian Open final where he was just one match away from sealing her maiden Grand Slam title.
The former British No. 1 suggested there are so many areas where Zheng has room from improvement and is convinced that the emerging Asian will win biggest titles in the future given how solid her game already is.
Zheng reached her maiden Grand Slam final at the Australian Open final last week and bow down to World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-2 in the championship match.
The 21-year-old became the first Chinese player to reach a major since two-time Grand Slam titlist and her idol Li Na who lifted the trophy at Australian Open. In process, Zheng has also made some big ranking jumps and has been cracked the top 10 rank after the conclusion of the tournament. World No. 7, Zheng is now the second Chinese singles player after Li that has made it to the top 10 ranks.
Speaking to Eurosport, 6-time major semifinalist, Henman proclaimed that Zheng is just a rough diamond whose true worth is yet to come. He believes the Australian Open runner-up has just started her journey and can develop many areas of her game.
“I think she is just scratching the surface. She has played incredible tennis and this is a massive learning curve,” told former World No. 1.
“I am sure it would have been painful to have been hit off the court [in the final], but I think with her work ethic and mentality and game, there are so many areas she can improve on.
“She can improve her serve. The forehand can be a weapon but can be erratic. The motivation from getting to a final and losing – I am sure she will continue working hard.
“If she is this good, with all the improvements she can make, I am convinced she will win majors in the future.”
7-time major titlist, Swede Mats Wilander talked about the importance of having the example of Li Na and praised Zheng’s attitude.
“She would have learned a lot from what Li Na has done over the years,” said the former World No. 1.
“I think she will improve massively when you heard her coach talk about how hard she works, wakes up at 7am, never complains, will practice any time. It’s very refreshing to me.”
Former world No 27 Robson lauded Zheng for making the most of the draw and tipped her to be a threat on clay.
“She had an outstanding two weeks [at the Australian Open]. She took advantage of a wide open top half of the draw,” the Brit reflected.
“She didn’t play anyone in the top 50 before the final, but I feel she has the game on a clay court to do very well.”