Zheng Qinwen's Popularity Sparks Sponsorship Interest in Opponents Following Australian Open Upset

Zheng Qinwen has become a notable figure in professional tennis, so much so that her increasing popularity has caught the eyes of brands, which are now even looking at her opponents for potential sponsorships. During her second round match against Laura Siegemund at the Australian Open, viewers noticed a new logo from a Chinese brand on Siegemund's attire, a detail that was not present in her previous match. This highlights how Zheng's fame has the effect of making anyone around her more marketable.

However, the spotlight has its downsides, as Zheng faced a significant setback against Siegemund, who delivered a surprising 7-6 (3), 6-3 victory, much to the shock of the tennis community, effectively ending Zheng's aspirations to replicate her successful run from the previous year. The reigning Olympic champion revealed during the post-match press conference that she was not fully fit entering this season, citing persistent issues with her right elbow that had affected her preparation and performance. Zheng admitted her physical discomfort impacted her training, leading her to cut practice sessions short.

Meanwhile, this unexpected victory not only rewards Siegemund with prize money and ranking points but also increases her visibility in the Chinese market, resulting in an immediate endorsement opportunity. The German player acknowledged the need to elevate her game to compete effectively against Zheng, stating she approached the match with a mindset of playing freely, resulting in her successful performance against the highly-rated opponent.