![\"Zheng](\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2026\/10\/19\/4169972.jpg\")
Zheng has been one of China\u2019s most popular athletes since her spectacular breakout run to the French Open round of 16 four years ago. — Photo: 163.com via SCMP<\/p>\nSHANGHAI (SCMP): 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.<\/p>\n
Chinese social media celebrated Zheng\u2019s victory, which made her the first Chinese player to win the championship in the tournament\u2019s 22-year history.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old has been one of the country\u2019s most popular athletes since reaching the French Open round of 16 four years ago. She also won the women\u2019s singles gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.<\/p>\n
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: \u201cThe long-awaited photo with the trophy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her post has been viewed 1.8 billion times on Weibo and received 1.3 million comments.<\/p>\n
Zheng has been one of China\u2019s most popular athletes since her spectacular breakout run to the French Open round of 16 four years ago. — Photo: 163.com via SCMP<\/p>\n
On RedNote, another leading social media platform, the post received 345,000 likes.<\/p>\n
The outfit, however, raised eyebrows because Zheng is usually seen wearing sportswear.<\/p>\n
While many people praised her new look as \u201cbeautiful and valiant,\u201d some comments \u2013 apparently from female internet users \u2013 attracted significant attention.<\/p>\n
\u201cSister, your dress and high heels\u2026 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\u2019s my problem, not yours,\u201d one disappointed user wrote.<\/p>\n
Another commenter asked: \u201cIs it appropriate to wear high heels so soon after playing seven gruelling matches at the China Open?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis outfit makes you look unlike an athlete,\u201d a third user remarked.<\/p>\n
The comments soon sparked heated discussion, with most internet users supporting Zheng.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn athlete\u2019s 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\u2019s a clear double standard: the idea that strong women shouldn\u2019t be allowed to enjoy dressing up,\u201d one user commented on Sina.com.<\/p>\n
![\"Zheng](\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2026\/10\/19\/4169973.jpg\")
Zheng Qinwen makes history as the first-ever Chinese champion and wild card to win the China Open women\u2019s singles title, beating Russia\u2019s Mirra Andreeva. — Photo: AP\/Andy Wong<\/p>\n
Another user wrote: \u201cBeing an independent woman doesn\u2019t mean conforming to a stereotype. It means having the freedom to choose what to wear and being responsible for your actions.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStrength and beauty are not opposites,\u201d a third person noted.<\/p>\n
Zheng has not yet responded to the heated online discussion.<\/p>\n
The dress and shoes are by Dior, which recently appointed Zheng as a global ambassador.<\/p>\n
Zheng is not the first Chinese female athlete to be criticised for embracing a soft, feminine appearance.<\/p>\n
The outspoken 100-metre hurdler Wu Yanni often defends her pursuit of beauty, as many people disapprove of her glittery make-up. — SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST<\/p>\n
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