Girls who love to laugh usually have good luck, and the same goes for those who are disciplined. While her peers were savoring the latest bubble milk tea and dessert trends, 21-year-old Zheng Qinwen spent 360 days a year sticking to a strict, bland diet.

In more than a decade of rigorous training, Zheng never slacked off. She was always the first to arrive and the last to leave. This summer, that discipline has paid golden dividends in Paris.

On Saturday, Zheng dazzled at Roland Garros, winning the women's singles Olympic gold in emphatic fashion — the first-ever for an Asian athlete.

In the climactic moment, when the winning shot landed, she dropped her racket as she collapsed backwards onto the red clay and raised her arms in triumph, soaking in the thunderous cheers ringing out around Court Philippe-Chatrier.

"Actually, at match point, I could feel my hands trembling, but my focus remained intense, as I concentrated on executing the next shot. When I finally won the match, I had not only conquered the pressure, but also surpassed my own limits," Zheng said.

Once nicknamed "Fire", she has now perfected the art of balancing her hot-headedness with patience — blending "water" and "fire" — on the court, mastering the skill of channeling her energy with precision. This newfound poise has not only earned her greater success, but also the title of "Queen Wen "among her fans.

"I love my fans for giving me this title, honestly, because it fits my character well: You need to present yourself as queen of the court, because you need this energy, this power to show that you are the best," Zheng said.

"I remember before, when something bad would happen, or there would be a tough moment, I would struggle and get panicked. I could not find peace in my heart. But, right now, as you can see in this Olympic Games, when I'm 1-4 down, 0-4 down, I find a way to come back during the match," she said. "There is fire and there is water at the same time."

Zheng attributes her success to her family's unwavering support and the many sacrifices her parents have made along the way.

"They taught me how to be disciplined and to stay focused on my dream. Most importantly, they always believed in me and the heights I could reach. I want to thank them for that," she said.

Team family

Born in 2002 in Shiyan, Hubei province, Zheng was encouraged by her father, Zheng Jianping, a former track and field athlete, to explore various sports from a young age, including basketball, badminton, running, and even two years of table tennis. However, it was tennis that she truly fell in love with.

Zheng Qinwen describes her passion for the sport's "expansive space" and constant demand for strategic decision-making.

"It's not about who is stronger, more powerful or faster. Every decision you make on the court can change the outcome of the match," she explained.

At eight years old, Zheng Qinwen was sent to Wuhan, 200 kilometers away, to train — only seeing her parents every two weeks. She later moved to Beijing for further training and, at 14, ventured alone to Europe and the US to perfect her game.

Through it all, Zheng Jianping has been a pivotal figure in her career, serving as her earliest nutritionist, physiotherapist, and coach. Her mother has consistently supported Zheng during her training, providing essential daily care and emotional support.

Zheng Qinwen recalled that her father has always had faith in her, regardless of whether she wins or loses. "When I was 12, he said that, one day, I'll become a Grand Slam champion. Even when I have some tough losses, he always believes."

"My mom is always there taking care of my mental health, and my body. My father and mother, they work as a team," she said.

The team's efforts have been richly rewarded. Zheng Qinwen has made steady and impressive progress. Turning professional in 2018 at the age of 16, she quickly established herself on the junior circuit, reaching a world junior ranking of No 4.

In 2020, she embarked on a journey through Europe playing in ITF tournaments, starting with a world ranking of over 600. In just over three years, she has soared to a career-high ranking of No 7.

National glory

When Zheng Qinwen was six years old, her father took her to Beijing to watch the Olympic Games. From the stands, she watched on as Li Na reached the semifinals.

Little did she know that, 16 years later, she would surpass Li by securing China's first-ever tennis singles gold.

Despite a challenging season, following her appearance in the Australian Open final in January, Zheng Qinwen appeared transformed when she stepped onto the Olympic stage.

"You can see the hunger I have in this tournament — in my behavior, my eyes — the hunger I have is different than in all the other tournaments I play," she explained.

The pressure of representing China fueled her with extra motivation and energy. Facing fierce opponents, she persevered through a gruelling schedule as she forged a path to victory. She overcame deficits against No 15-ranked Emma Navarro of the United States, German former world No 1 Angelique Kerber and current No 1, and Roland Garros specialist, Iga Swiatek.

"There was a spirit holding me up. I just felt like never giving up during the games," she said. "I don't know why, because in a tour match, maybe I'd let it get away. At the Olympics, I just held on to it and kept fighting."

Before her match, Zheng Qinwen watched the gold-medal performance of China's former 110m hurdler Liu Xiang at the Athens 2004 Olympics. Something she did repeatedly in the days leading up to her own final.

"He mentioned that, in 2004, he won gold at 21, at the peak of his career. I thought to myself, I'm 21 now, too. Exactly 20 years later, I am standing on this stage, and I can do it, too," Zheng Qinwen revealed.

Now, it will be her heroics that inspire a new generation.

"I want to tell them: 'Dream big. Be brave and dream. But, don't forget that there will be tough challenges, doubts, tears and failure, but you must enjoy the process. All the losses are for that one moment of success'."