Seeking men’s approval? Chinese tennis star criticised for glamorous photo shoot with trophy

After Chinese tennis player Zheng Qinwen won the China Open in early October, a series of photos showing her in a white dress and studded high heels, holding the trophy on the Great Wall, unexpectedly drew criticism from female internet users who accused the athlete of trying to please men and of not looking like an independent woman.

Chinese social media celebrated Zheng’s victory, which made her the first Chinese player to win the championship in the tournament’s 22-year history.

The 24-year-old has been one of the country’s most popular athletes since reaching the French Open round of 16 four years ago. She also won the women’s singles gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

On October 12, she posted several photos of herself in a long dress and high heels, holding the China Open trophy on the Great Wall outside Beijing. The caption read: “The long-awaited photo with the trophy.”

Her post has been viewed 1.8 billion times on Weibo and received 1.3 million comments.

On RedNote, another leading social media platform, the post received 345,000 likes.

The outfit, however, raised eyebrows because Zheng is usually seen wearing sportswear.

While many people praised her new look as “beautiful and valiant,” some comments – apparently from female internet users – attracted significant attention.

“Sister, your dress and high heels… I initially thought you were someone who thought outside the box. Now I realise that was just my expectation of you, not your own way of thinking. That’s my problem, not yours,” one disappointed user wrote.

Another commenter asked: “Is it appropriate to wear high heels so soon after playing seven gruelling matches at the China Open?”

“This outfit makes you look unlike an athlete,” a third user remarked.

The comments soon sparked heated discussion, with most internet users supporting Zheng.

“An athlete’s identity is defined by her performance on the tennis court, not by what she wears. When male champions pose for fashion photos in suits, people admire them as elegant and dashing. But when women dress up, some say they no longer look like athletes. That’s a clear double standard: the idea that strong women shouldn’t be allowed to enjoy dressing up,” one user commented on Sina.com.

Another user wrote: “Being an independent woman doesn’t mean conforming to a stereotype. It means having the freedom to choose what to wear and being responsible for your actions.”

“Strength and beauty are not opposites,” a third person noted.

Zheng has not yet responded to the heated online discussion.

The dress and shoes are by Dior, which recently appointed Zheng as a global ambassador.

Zheng is not the first Chinese female athlete to be criticised for embracing a soft, feminine appearance.

The outspoken 100-metre hurdler Wu Yanni often defends her pursuit of beauty, as many people disapprove of her glittery make-up.