"If Iga Swiatek said that, she would be called a disrespectful robot" - Fans react to Zheng Qinwen's no-smile, no-hug take on post-match interactions

Iga Swiatek (L) and Zheng Qinwen (R) (Image Source: Getty)
Iga Swiatek (L) and Zheng Qinwen (R) (Image Source: Getty)

Zheng Qinwen has shared her perspective on traditional post-match handshakes, explaining why she avoids smiling and hugging her opponents after matches. While many tennis fans appreciated the World No. 5's candor, others argued that players like Iga Swiatek wouldn't be afforded the same grace.

After a runner-up finish last year, Zheng has made a strong start to her campaign at the 2025 Australian Open, claiming a 7-6(3), 6-1 win over Anca Todoni after a one-hour and 56-minute battle in the first round.

During her press conference, the Chinese shed light on her approach to post-match interactions, emphasizing that she showed respect towards her opponent by offering the customary handshake, albeit not always with a smile.

"Well, I always give a handshake to my opponent because I feel that basic respect doesn't matter if I win or lose I always give a handshake but not always I give a handshake with a smiley face I know myself," Zheng Qinwen said.

Zheng Qinwen, who has often faced backlash for her frosty net exchanges, explained that she chose not to hug her opponents or display a happy face because she felt it was unnecessary and undermined the importance of the match.

"Usually I don't often give a hug to my opponent as well because I feel that is not necessary for me because I come here just to play a match and If I lose, I will give you just basic respect and that's it. That's why you will not see me lose one match and with a happy face to the opponent. If you saw that on me that is very strange which means I don't care about that match in that day," she added.

With Zheng receiving praise for her honesty, several fans alleged "double standards" and argued that Iga Swiatek would be labeled a "disrespectful robot" and a sore loser if she expressed similar sentiments. The World No. 2 recently came under fire for her frosty handshake with Coco Gauff at the United Cup.

"Amazing. If Iga said that she would be called a robot. This one says that - she is a professional. Just wow," one fan commented.
"Lol, if Iga said something like that and she would be called a sore loser and disrespectful robot who wants to win only. But Quinwen is "professional and focused,"" a fan argued.
"I don't have an issue with her doing this, what annoys me is that when another player does this they are called sore losers but when she does it, it's called iconic?? The double standards is appalling," another fan chimed in.
"Imagine if some other very specific Polish tennis player said this.... Iga would be ripped apart by the online mob," said another.

Nevertheless, fans expressed admiration for Zheng Qinwen's "refreshing honesty" and fierce competitive spirit, suggesting that it was better for the 22-year-old to remain true to herself than to fake smiles and hugs after a loss.

"Zheng Qinwen's honesty is refreshing...respect without the forced smiles! She’s all about the competitive spirit," one fan posted.
This is her being genuine. Are we gonna force her to be fake at the net? Because if you want her to smile and hug after a loss it would be fake," a fan shared.
"Tbh most players probably think like this, she’s the only one real enough to say it," one fan commented.
"I like her. Honest. This generation is too concerned with being friends and appearing nice," another fan wrote.

Zheng Qinwen awaits Hailey Baptiste or Laura Siegemund in Australian Open 2R; Iga Swiatek to face Katerina Siniakova in 1R clash

Zheng Qinwen and Iga Swiatek - Source: Getty
Zheng Qinwen and Iga Swiatek - Source: Getty

Following her win over Anca Todoni, Zheng Qinwen will face the winner of the match between Hailey Baptiste and Laura Siegemund in the second round of the 2025 Australian Open.

Iga Swiatek, meanwhile, will square off against Katerina Siniakova in her opening match at the Melbourne Slam. If the Pole emerges victorious, she will face Rebecca Sramkova or Katie Volynets.

Since Zheng and Swiatek feature in opposite halves of the Australian Open draw, the duo can only meet in the title clash. While the Chinese finished as the runner-up last year, Swiatek will aim to reach her maiden final in Melbourne.

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Edited by Urvi Mehra
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