Zheng Qinwen reconsiders friendships on tour after Navarro criticism

Zheng Qinwen, the 22-year-old Chinese tennis player, has recently expressed a willingness to form friendships on the WTA Tour, a shift from her previous stance of maintaining distance from competitors. Competing at the Indian Wells, Zheng mentioned there are two players she hopes to befriend but has not yet taken the initiative to do so. This change follows criticism from fellow player Emma Navarro, who described Zheng as 'cut-throat' during a match at the Paris Olympics, contributing to a perception of tension in the locker room. Zheng previously stated that forming friendships could distract her during competition, emphasizing her focus on winning. Despite past challenges, including a cold handshake with Victoria Azarenka in a recent match, Zheng is looking to navigate her social dynamics in tennis while continuing to perform at a high level. Her evolving perspective reflects a broader adjustment to the competitive landscape of women's tennis.