Last Updated on May 16, 2023
Zheng Qinwen, a rising star in the world of tennis, has taken the sport by storm with her impressive performance on the court. Born on October 8, 2002, the Chinese tennis player is currently ranked No. 21 in the world by the WTA, making her the top Chinese player. Zheng’s journey began at the tender age of six when she first picked up a tennis racquet. Inspired by compatriot Li Na’s success, Zheng quickly showed immense potential, catching the attention of talent scouts at the renowned company IMG.
Fast forward to today, Zheng has one WTA Challenger and eight ITF singles titles under her belt, and she was named the 2022 WTA Newcomer of the Year. But who is the driving force behind Zheng’s meteoric rise in the world of tennis? Let’s explore her current coach, Pere Riba, and delve into his career and accomplishments.
Who Is Current Zheng Qinwen’s Coach?
Pere Riba Madrid
Pere Riba Madrid, born on April 7, 1988, is a Spanish former professional tennis player who competed on the ATP Challenger Tour and the ATP World Tour in both singles and doubles. Riba reached his highest ATP singles ranking of No. 65 on May 16, 2011, and his highest ATP doubles ranking of No. 81 on June 7, 2010. Although a hip injury and surgery affected his professional career, Riba’s coaching journey has been nothing short of successful.
Together with Julián Alonso, Riba co-founded ELITE TENNIS TEAM, based in Barcelona’s Club Tennis Els Gorchs, with a focus on junior development and professional tennis players. Among the players he coaches is the talented Zheng Qinwen. Riba has been training Zheng in Barcelona since 2019, and their partnership has produced remarkable results.
In an interview with Tennis.com, Riba expressed his belief in Zheng’s potential, stating, “I really believed in her right away. She’s constantly fixing different game nuances – every month she adds something. I see a big difference from 15 months ago. She even looks at tennis differently and understands what she has to do.”
Qinwen shares that Riba emphasizes the importance of being a good person, as it can lead to greater success on the tennis court. She explains, “Effective communication and engaging in meaningful conversations can positively impact your performance. Additionally, being a good person helps build friendships, which can prove beneficial in the long run.”
Zheng Qinwen Practice Session with Coach Pere Riba
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Zheng Qinwen Past Coaches
Carlos Rodríguez
Before Pere Riba, Zheng worked with renowned Argentinian tennis coach Carlos Rodríguez in Beijing for three years. Rodríguez is best known for his long-time collaboration with former World No. 1 Justine Henin and his coaching stint with Li Na, which led her to win the 2014 Australian Open. Rodríguez’s experience and expertise undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Zheng’s early tennis career.
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Zheng Qinwen’s Achievements With Different Coaches
We have collected in the table the data about the trophies won by Zheng Qinwen under the guidance of various coaches.
Coaches | Years of Cooperation | Titles |
Pere Riba | 2019 – | 2022 Valencia WTA 125 |