Zheng Qinwen and coach Pere Riba are reuniting for the 2024 season, marking a significant return to their former partnership.
The talented World No.15 made the announcement of their reunion in an Instagram post on Sunday, expressing her excitement to go “back to the original” with Riba by her side once again.
In her post, Zheng expressed her eagerness to embark on this new journey with her longtime coach and prepare for the upcoming year, signifying a fresh start and renewed collaboration.
Having previously worked together starting in 2021, Riba played a pivotal role in Zheng’s remarkable rise from outside the Top 100 to inside the Top 30. This successful partnership led to Zheng being honored as the WTA Newcomer of the Year in 2022.
Following their split, Zheng sought the guidance of Belgian coach Wim Fissette, achieving significant milestones such as her first career Hologic WTA Tour singles title and reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open. However, their partnership was short-lived as Fissette chose to return to work with Naomi Osaka, leaving Zheng seeking another coaching arrangement.
Meanwhile, Riba briefly worked with Coco Gauff, aiding her in claiming her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open. However, their collaboration also came to an end after less than six months, with Riba citing personal and family health reasons as the cause for his departure.
At 21, Zheng closed her season with a second career WTA title in Zhengzhou and a final appearance in the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai. She was supported by her fitness coach, Rob Brandsma, who took over the coaching responsibilities for the remainder of the year.
Jessica Roberts serves up the latest in the world of tennis. With a love for the racket sport, she reports on tennis matches, player rankings, and Grand Slam events, ensuring readers stay informed about the tennis world.
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