Qinwen Zheng says what she would rather do – win a Grand Slam title or become world number one

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Qinwen Zheng has really struggled in 2025 so far, but is seemingly finding some form at Indian Wells.

Zheng beat Victoria Azarenka in the second round of Indian Wells, where the WTA number nine is the eighth seed.

Chinese star Zheng now finds herself in the round of 16 at Indian Wells, having edged past Lulu Sun in round three.

But Zheng was among the biggest Australian Open losers, having fallen after just two rounds in Melbourne.

Such a defeat was even more surprising given how she reached the 2024 Australian Open final, and indeed the last two of the WTA Finals at the end of last year.

Qinwen Zheng picks Grand Slam title over world number one

And Zheng continued her nightmare after Melbourne, losing her opening matches at both the Qatar Open and the Dubai Tennis Championships.

But she is now in high spirits after her latest win at Indian Wells, where she was asked on court to choose between reaching world number one and winning a Grand Slam this year.

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“Well, no doubt, Grand Slam, because this is a dream since I was a child,” replied Zheng. “Actually I didn’t put world number one in my dream, I put a Slam, sorry to say that.”

The victor lost her one and only Grand Slam final so far to Aryna Sabalenka, but recovered to win the Olympic gold medal in Paris last summer.

Chinese star Zheng, who has five career titles and once reached a career-high ranking of fifth, now takes on Marta Kostyuk in the last 16 of Indian Wells.

Qinwen Zheng doesn’t forgive past defeats after progressing at Indian Wells

Zheng would have been given an unwanted flashback ahead of her meeting with Sun, having lost to the New Zealander at Wimbledon last year.

But the 22-year-old put that defeat behind her to emerge victorious in California, beating her opponent 6-4, 7-5.

READ MORE: Qinwen Zheng says whether she actually has any friends on the WTA Tour

Asked if she remembered their previous encounter, and indeed if it gave her extra motivation, Zheng replied: “Well, if I have to be honest, no I don’t forgive.

“I even remember four years ago the match I lost against [Angelique] Kerber, I was leading 4-1, so it’s tough for me to lose a match.

“So I remember, and I want to try to fight back. I think that’s a good point of me, that’s why I try to be better and here I am.”