Wang Xinyu Aims for Breakthrough at Australian Open

MELBOURNE – Seven years after her debut at the Australian Open, Chinese tennis player Wang Xinyu remains determined to play her best tennis as she faces Spain’s 11th seed Paula Badosa in the first round on Sunday. Wang, currently ranked 37th, has competed at Melbourne Park four times, with mixed results, including two second-round exits and two first-round losses.

Speaking at the Australian Open media center, Wang emphasized the importance of managing expectations. “I try not to set my expectations too high,” she said. “After the draw was announced, I felt it wouldn’t be realistic to put too much pressure on myself. Instead, I’ll stick to what I always tell myself: enjoy the match and try to play my best tennis.”

Wang’s career highlight came unexpectedly at the Paris Olympics, where she won a mixed doubles silver medal with Zhang Zhizhen. The pair defied expectations by reaching the final, narrowly missing the gold. Reflecting on the experience, Wang called it a surprising success and a reminder that playing without excessive pressure can yield great results.

Despite her Olympic success, Wang struggled to carry that momentum into the US Open, where she lost in the second round. In 2023, she achieved her best result at a hard-court Grand Slam by reaching the fourth round of the US Open. However, she acknowledged that her preparation could have been better. “After the Olympics, I didn’t spend enough time training or adjusting to hard court. Even though I had high hopes, my preparation just wasn’t enough,” she explained.

Wang believes that setbacks are valuable learning opportunities. “Sometimes you learn more from losses than wins. Those lessons help me grow and become a more complete player,” she said. During the winter break, Wang focused on refining her footwork and improving her serves, two areas she believes will make a difference in the coming season.

As China‘s second-ranked women’s player, Wang carries the weight of high expectations from fans back home. “We fight for every point on the court, but we also cheer for our opponents’ great shots. That’s the spirit of the game,” she said. Wang has fond memories of Melbourne, a city that has offered her both triumphs and challenges. However, she hasn’t forgotten the intense heat that often accompanies the tournament. “I love the passion and relaxing vibe here, but it’s always so sunny this time of year. Before every training session or match, I will make sure to apply four layers of sunscreen,” she said with a laugh.