Novak Djokovic describes what his relationship is like with fellow Olympic Champion Qinwen Zheng
Novak Djokovic shared some kind words about his fellow Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng.
The pair claimed their respective gold medals at the Paris Games in August, and both defeated big names on the way to collecting the precious hardware.
Both Novak Djokovic and Qinwen Zheng are iconic figures in their respective countries and while one player is a legend of the game, the other is at the start of her journey in the sport.
The pair are currently competing in China, Zheng’s home country and a place where the 37-year-old has enjoyed plenty of success silver the years.
What is Novak Djokovic’s relationship with Quiwen Zheng like?
Djokovic is a legend and veteran of the game who has seen many players come and go over the course of his illustrious career.
Zheng has established herself as a top 10 player and she made a breakthrough in the Grand Slams in 2024, when she reached the Australian Open final in January.
The World number seven is on track for an impressive career and Djokovic is impressed by what he has seen from the 22-year-old so far, and she is someone he has a good relationship with off court.
“She’s so young. She made China proud this year at the Olympic games. She brought the gold medal, I think first ever in tennis for China, so it’s a big deal,” Djokovic told reporters.
“She’s a great person, and a really, really good player that keeps on improving. I like to watch her, I’m a big fan of her as a person and as a player. We have a nice relationship off the court, and when we have a chance, we chat.
“So, of course I’m there, she knows that I’m available to her, to her coaching team any time she wants to ask for advice or anything like that. I heard about the picture for the gold medal, with the gold medal, so that would be fun, that would be great.
“I don’t know if it’s going to happen before Australia, because our schedules are different, but maybe in Australia we can bring the medals (laughing) and we can do it there.”
Who did Novak Djokovic and Quiwen Zheng beat to win their Olympic gold medals?
Zheng began her Paris Olympics campaign by easily defeating Sara Errani and Arantxa Rus, before coming from a set down against Emma Navarro in the third round.
The match ended with a heated post-match exchange in which Navarro said she did not have any respect for Zheng. The 22-year-old found herself down a set once again, this time to Angelique Kerber in the quarter-finals, before winning 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(6).
Zheng’s greatest result came when she upset Iga Swiatek 6-2, 7-5 to reach the final. Zheng wasted no time beating Donna Vekic to achieve Olympic glory and deliver China another gold medal.
Djokovic was certainly on a mission in Paris, as he claimed the Olympic title without dropping a set.
He began his campaign by defeating Matthew Ebden for the loss of just one game. Djokovic met Rafael Nadal for the 60th and final time in the second round, and won 6-1, 6-4. He battled past Dominic Koepfer 6-3, 7-5, before defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals and Lorenzo Musetti int he last four.
Djokovic played Carlos Alcaraz in the gold medal match and produced arguably one of the best performances of his career over . His 7-6, 7-6 win ensured he finally claimed the one title that had eluded him throughout his career.
