Wang Qiang, who bowed out of the Wuhan Open in the last 16, has already created a sensation with her series of notable performances and giant-killing efforts over the past couple of years. But earlier this month the 27-year-old had her best-ever performance at a Grand Slam when she reached the quarter-finals of the US Open, and she talked about that breakthrough and more with CGTN Sports Scene's Damion Jones.
The 27-year-old enjoyed her best-ever Grand Slam performance at the US Open this year and told CGTN: "Yes, I love New York very much, so I think I really played good there."
However, she still believes that she will return as a better player next year. "I have to just be patient, focus on the court, be positive and be aggressive," Wang added.
She has been a big celebrity in the Chinese social media back home, but she seems to be far away from the virtual world. "I don't know much as I don't see the news very much. So I just only like to be myself," Wang mentioned.
Li Na has been the torch-bearer for a generation of tennis players from Asia and particularly, from China. For Wang, she was trend-setter. The new pin-up girl of Chinese tennis told CGTN: "She was a really good tennis player, and she went far. For me, I only try my best. If I do my best doesn't matter the result. I am ok with that."
Apart from her success on tour, Wang has also bagged two gold medals for China in the last year's Asian Games in Jakarta. "It's very different when you play at the Asian Games. You don't play for yourself but for your country. So I bring the confidence and the pressure into the tour. I think I can handle it on tour," she explained while describing the difference between her career on tour and representing her country.
However, she has tasted some significant success on the home soil, and she was quick to convey her penchant for playing in her own backyard.
"I really like to play in China because Chinese food is the most important thing for me. I really love China, and I play here, everyone is closer to me, and that's the important thing for me. I take the energy from the people."
However, the season-ending WTA Finals is going to be her target as she said: "If I can be in top 8 I will be very happy. Even the tournament in Shenzhen will take place where I always train. So I will try my best to be in top 8."