Zheng Qinwen Secures Dante Bottini as Temporary Coach for 2025 Hologic WTA Tour Season
World No. 5 Zheng Qinwen has made a strategic move by hiring Dante Bottini, the former coach of Kei Nishikori, for the beginning of the 2025 Hologic WTA Tour season. This decision comes as her full-time coach, Pere Riba, has undergone scheduled hip surgery and won’t rejoin the team until after the Australian Open.
Pere Riba’s Hip Surgery: A Time-Out for Zheng
Riba’s chronic hip issues, which plagued him during his playing career, have led to this necessary medical leave. His departure and the subsequent absence from the Australian Open, where Zheng reached the final last year, were anticipated parts of her pre-season planning.
Dante Bottini: Bringing Expertise to Zheng’s Team
Bottini, an experienced coach with a proven track record, will lead Zheng’s team during this period. His pairing with Kei Nishikori at the IMG Academy lasted nine years and resulted in Nishikori becoming the most successful Japanese player in ATP history, reaching a career-high No. 4 in ATP rankings and the US Open final in 2014.
Zheng’s Exceptional 2024 Season
The past year was particularly remarkable for Zheng, who celebrated her best season ever. Starting with a historic run to her first Grand Slam final in Melbourne, she went on to capture Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, followed by a surge at the end of the season.
Her achievements continued with a second straight US Open quarterfinal, her first semifinal in Beijing, and a triumph in her home tournament Wuhan’s final. In Tokyo, she clinched her fifth career title. Zheng also qualified for the WTA Finals, where she reached the final, narrowly losing to Coco Gauff in a highly anticipated showdown.
Awarded and Celebrated: Zheng’s Off-Season Recognition
During the off-season, Zheng received recognition for her achievements. She was voted the 2024 WTA Fan Favorite and was nominated for the 2024 Shot of the Year.
Preparation for the 2025 Season
Ahead of the Australian Open, Zheng withdrew from the United Cup to focus on her training. Now, she is already in Melbourne, ready for the first Grand Slam of the season. The Australian Open is set to kick off on Sunday, January 12.
With her promising start in 2024 and her experienced new coach, Zheng is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming 2025 Hologic WTA Tour season.
Stay tuned for more updates as Zheng heads into the Australian Open. Be part of the journey by following her progress and sharing your insights comment below.
Your engagement means a lot to us. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this article on your social media platforms to help spread the word!