By Scoop Malinowski
DOB: January 8, 1986 In: Xiangtan, China
Tennis Hero: “Steffi Graf.”
Hobbies/Interests: “I have lots. The first thing I like is shopping. Play video games.”
Early Tennis Memory: “In China, ten years old, the nationals for twelve and under. I won the tournament. First tournament that I ever play.”
Musical Tastes: “Oh, soft music, in China.”
Greatest Sports Moment: “Winning the gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games (def. Amanmuradova 75 62).”
Most Painful Moment: “Some bad injury. I was injured like ten years ago. Twisted ankle in national in China, I had to take like three or four cortisone shots right on the spot. And continued to play. (Lost?) Yeah. (How much time did you miss because of the injury?) Three months.”
Favorite Tournaments: “I like a lot of tournaments. Nothing particular.”
Funniest Player Encountered: “John McEnroe.”
Closest Tennis Friends: “My doubles partner (Hsieh Su Wei).”
Toughest Competitors Encountered: “Everybody’s pretty tough. Everybody’s hard to play.”
Favorite Players To Watch: “Nobody. I like lots of different players, to see them play.”
Embarrassing Tennis Memory: “I went to the warmup tournament before Wimbledon. I forgot to bring white clothes. I didn’t know I had to wear white. I had to borrow from some friends.”
Favorite Meal: “Fruit. (What kind?) Oh, it’s lots of watermelon, strawberry.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “I don’t really like ice cream but I like to blend the vanilla ice cream with strawberries and banana.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “Honesty and sense of humor.”
Career Accomplishments: Winner of Wimbledon doubles last year and French Open doubles this year (with partner Hsieh Su Wei); Achieved WTA number one ranking in doubles in February of this year; Gold medalist at 20l0 Asian Games; Winner of sixteen WTA doubles titles but still looking for first WTA singles title. Has career wins over Hingis, Myskina, Dementieva, Safina, Sharapova, Petrova, Clijsters, Mauresmo, Jankovic, Schiavone, Ivanovic, Kuznetsova, Zvonareva and Radwanska.
China · John McEnroe · Peng Shuai · Roland Garros · Steffi Graf · Wimbledon · WTA
