China’s new hope

SINGAPORE — Four years ago, Zheng Saisai came to the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and went home with a silver medal. Then just 16, Zheng sported a short-crop hairstyle and square-rimmed spectacles as she lost to Russia’s Daria Gavrilova.

Yesterday at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Zheng, now 20, played in the final of the WTA Rising Stars tournament, falling 4-6, 3-6 to Monica Puig of Puerto Rico, a player she had defeated 6-2, 6-4 in Singapore four years ago in the opening round of the YOG tennis competition.

Now wearing protective eyeglasses, a grown-up Zheng told TODAY in fluent English of her transition from a junior to now a professional.

“I’ve changed a lot … my body, my height and everything,” said Zheng. “The girls are faster and stronger, so my training has become more focused and my technique is sharper.”

Following Li Na’s retirement, the search is on for the next great Asian female player and Zheng could be Li Na’s heir, especially after her victory against former world No 1 Jelena Jankovic in Tianjin earlier this month.

“We talk when we play at the same tournaments,” said Zheng of Li. “She always feels like a big sister, she takes care of us Chinese players. It’s everyone’s dream (to fill Li Na’s shoes). For me, it’s to focus on what I have to do and hopefully the results will come through … it just feels closer and not too far away anymore.

“When we were young, we would see Serena (Williams) play and think ‘oh my god how am I going to play her?’ And now we just feel closer to the top (level of tennis).”

Even in the early days of her professional career, the Shaanxi resident is aware of the importance of staying injury-free and healthy. She said at her post-match interview: “I have to take care of my body, being healthy is important. (I would like to) not have injuries and be healthy for the all of the season, that’s the big point.”

“Everyone wants to come here. It’ll be a dream for me. Being here at the finals and watching the best, of course I hope to one day play the tournament as soon as possible. But I still have to take it step by step and take care of my health and body so I can play more tournaments for a longer period of time.” JEAN IAU