"Desperate to Impress Men"... Chinese Tennis Queen Sparks Controversy for Wearing a Dress

Photographed with her trophy in a dress and high heels
"Doesn't fit her image as an independent woman," critics say
"Strict standards applied only to women athletes," others counter.

Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen, 24, has found herself at the center of an unexpected controversy over a photo of her holding a championship trophy. Some online users criticized her for choosing a pure white dress and high heels instead of the tough athlete image she had shown on the court. Others countered that women athletes may be held to stricter standards of appearance and attire, and the two sides remain sharply divided.

A photo of Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen, 24, posing with the championship trophy. Screenshot from Zheng Qinwen's Instagram.

According to foreign media outlets, including Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP), on October 19 local time, Zheng recently posted a photo on social media with the caption, "The long-awaited trophy photo." The photo was taken with the Great Wall on the outskirts of Beijing, China, as the backdrop. In it, Zheng poses holding her championship trophy while wearing a white dress and high heels.

"Doesn't fit the image of a strong woman" vs. "A double standard applied only to women athletes"

After the photo was posted, most online users congratulated her, saying she looked "elegant and beautiful," but some criticized her outfit. Some argued that it did not fit the image of an independent, strong woman athlete that Zheng had displayed on the court. One user expressed disappointment, saying, "I thought you were someone who broke the mold, but that was just my expectation." Some even accused her of dressing that way "to appeal to men" and questioned whether "wearing high heels immediately after a match is appropriate for an athlete."

Others countered that this reflected a stereotype that applies harsher standards only to women athletes. One user pointed out, "When male champions wear suits for fashion photoshoots, they are praised as stylish, but when women athletes wear dresses, they are criticized as not looking like athletes. That's clearly a double standard." Critics of the backlash said that being a strong woman is no reason to restrict one's freedom to dress up or express one's beauty.

Other comments in support of Zheng followed, including: "Being an independent woman does not mean you have to be defined by a particular outfit or appearance," and "Strength and beauty can coexist, and what to wear is entirely the athlete's personal choice."

Wins first China Open title after overcoming injuries and poor form

At the center of the controversy, Zheng is China's top tennis player and won the gold medal in women's singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. After struggling with injuries and poor form, she returned to the spotlight by winning the China Open.

Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen, 24. Screenshot from Zheng Qinwen's Instagram.

In the China Open women's singles final on October 11, she defeated Russia's Mirra Andreeva 2-0 in sets (7-5, 6-4). It was the first time a Chinese player had won the women's singles title since the tournament began in 2004.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.