Indian Wells, CA – As the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells gets underway, Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen has clarified her coaching situation and addressed ongoing challenges with injury, offering a glimpse into her preparation for the WTA 1000 tournament. The world No. 24, currently competing at Indian Wells, confirmed she remains committed to working with coach Pere Riba, dispelling any speculation of a split.
The confirmation comes amidst a period of fluctuating form for Zheng, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in June 2025, becoming only the second Chinese player to break into the WTA’s top 5, following Li Na. Her impressive 2024 included a gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics, making her the first Asian tennis player to achieve that feat in singles competition, and a successful title defense at the Palermo Ladies Open. Still, since the turn of 2025, Zheng has experienced a dip in results, prompting questions about her team and preparation. The renewed partnership with Riba, who previously coached her during a period of significant success, signals a determined effort to regain momentum.
Addressing Injury Challenges
Zheng also revealed she is navigating ongoing injury concerns as she competes. Speaking during media day at Indian Wells, she stated she would be “fighting with injuries” throughout 2024. While the specific nature of the injury was not disclosed, her acknowledgement highlights the physical demands of the tour and the challenges athletes face in maintaining peak performance. This context adds weight to her recent results and underscores the significance of her decision to reunite with a familiar coach in Riba.
Riba’s Previous Success with Zheng
Pere Riba initially began coaching Zheng in 2021, and their collaboration proved fruitful. According to her Wikipedia page, Riba has been a key figure in her development, and his return is seen as a positive step towards addressing her recent struggles. The partnership aims to recapture the form that saw Zheng achieve significant milestones, including her Olympic gold and Palermo Ladies Open titles.
New Nike Outfits and Return to Competition
Adding a touch of flair to her return, Zheng has also unveiled striking new Nike outfits for both the Indian Wells and Miami Open tournaments. Sportskeeda showcased the new apparel, signaling a fresh start for the Chinese player as she embarks on this new chapter.
Baghdatis Collaboration – A Tentative Partnership
Adding another layer to her coaching dynamic, Zheng has also been observed training with Marcos Baghdatis at Indian Wells. The Tennis Gazette reports that this partnership is described as “new” and “tentative,” suggesting that performances in Indian Wells will be crucial in determining whether they continue to work together long-term. This suggests a period of evaluation as Zheng explores different coaching approaches to optimize her game.
What’s Next for Zheng Qinwen?
Zheng Qinwen’s immediate focus is on the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. Her performance in this tournament will be closely watched, not only by fans but also by those evaluating the potential long-term collaboration with Marcos Baghdatis. The coming weeks will be pivotal as she aims to overcome her injury challenges and rediscover the form that propelled her to the top of the women’s game. Her continued partnership with Pere Riba provides a stable foundation, while the exploration of a new dynamic with Baghdatis adds an element of intrigue to her campaign.
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