‘Seeking male approval’: Chinese tennis star criticised for glamorous photo shoot with trophy
Por Alice Yan — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement Trending in China People & Culture China Personalities Seeking men’s approval? Chinese tennis star criticised for glamorous photo shoot with trophy
Backlash sparks massive debate: most fans defend tennis star, with one viral comment declaring, ‘strength and beauty are not opposites’
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Alice Yan in Shanghai Published: 6:00pm, 19 Oct 2026 Updated: 6:20pm, 19 Oct 2026
After Chinese tennis player Zheng Qinwen won the China Open in early October, a series of photos showing her in a white dress and studded high heels, holding the trophy on the Great Wall, unexpectedly drew criticism from female internet users who accused the athlete of trying to please men and of not looking like an independent woman.
Chinese social media celebrated Zheng’s victory, which made her the first Chinese player to win the championship in the tournament’s 22-year history.
The 24-year-old has been one of the country’s most popular athletes since reaching the French Open round of 16 four years ago. She also won the women’s singles gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
On October 12, she posted several photos of herself in a long dress and high heels, holding the China Open trophy on the Great Wall outside Beijing. The caption read: “The long-awaited photo with the trophy.”
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