Zheng Qinwen's cold handshake after defeat raises eyebrows among fans
Category: Sports
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan secured her place as the new world No. 1 in women's tennis following her victory over China's Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals of the 2026 US Open on September 10, 2026. Rybakina triumphed with a score of 2-1 (3-6, 6-1, 6-4), marking a historic moment as she dethroned Aryna Sabalenka, who had held the top spot for 99 weeks.
This victory solidified Rybakina's status as a top player and sparked controversy surrounding Zheng's post-match behavior. After the match, Zheng was criticized for her brief and cold handshake with Rybakina, which many fans perceived as disrespectful. The incident has reignited discussions about sportsmanship in tennis.
Rybakina's path to this achievement was not without challenges. In her quarterfinal match, she lost the first set to Zheng before mounting a comeback. This victory was particularly meaningful for Rybakina, as it marked her first time reaching the top of the WTA rankings. "Becoming world No. 1 is something I've dreamed of since I was a child. It means so much to me," Rybakina said after her match, expressing gratitude to her team for their support.
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka, who had been aiming for a third consecutive US Open title, faced Linda Noskova in her quarterfinal match on September 9, 2026. Sabalenka won that match 2-1 (7-6(7-1), 3-6, 7-6(10-7)) but was unable to retain her ranking after Rybakina's triumph the following day. Sabalenka's loss of the top position has drawn attention, especially considering her unique style of play and fashion choices during the tournament.
In the aftermath of Rybakina's rise, fans have been vocal about Zheng's behavior on the court. After the match, Zheng offered a short handshake to Rybakina and turned away without any words of congratulations. This moment was caught on camera and quickly circulated on social media, prompting fans to criticize her lack of sportsmanship. One fan remarked, "I don't understand why Zheng always seems angry after losing and is hostile toward her opponents." Another added, "Rybakina was trying to say something nice, but Zheng didn't even congratulate her. She always looks displeased at the net."
This is not the first time Zheng has faced backlash for her post-match conduct. At the 2024 US Open, after losing to Sabalenka in the quarterfinals, she also received criticism for a similar cold handshake. During that event, Emma Navarro publicly criticized Zheng, stating that she did not respect her opponents. The recurrence of such incidents has led to renewed scrutiny of Zheng's demeanor in high-pressure situations.
Rybakina's ascent to the top of women's tennis is historic, as she becomes the first player from Kazakhstan to achieve this ranking. Her victory at the US Open is a culmination of her hard work and resilience, particularly after overcoming a challenging year that included elbow surgery, which had sidelined her and dropped her ranking outside the top 100.
Rybakina's performance at the US Open has been remarkable; she entered the tournament through qualifying rounds and has shown a strong capability on hard courts, defeating several higher-ranked players along the way. Her ability to bounce back after losing the first set against Zheng highlights her mental toughness and determination.
On the other hand, Sabalenka's reign as world No. 1 was characterized by her powerful playing style and success on the court, including her efforts to secure a third consecutive US Open title. Her unique fashion choices, including a lace dress adorned with jewels, have also made headlines, drawing both admiration and criticism from fans and commentators alike.
Looking ahead, Rybakina will compete in the semifinals of the US Open, where she will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Her goal will be to capitalize on her newfound ranking and continue her impressive run in the tournament.
As for Sabalenka, she remains focused on her pursuit of a third consecutive US Open title. She will face Jessica Pegula, the world No. 3, in the semifinals. If Sabalenka can secure victories in her upcoming matches, she could still reclaim her place at the top of the rankings, depending on the outcomes of Rybakina's matches.
The contrasting narratives of Rybakina's rise and Zheng's controversial reactions provide a fascinating backdrop to the final stages of the US Open. As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will follow closely closely to see how these stories evolve on the court.