Coach Pere Riba’s return: A beam of hope for Zheng Qinwen’s tennis season in 2025

As 2025 the tennis season progresses, the World Number 9 Zheng Qinwen offers a fresh breath of fresh air in the midst of a series of disappointments. The Chinese tennis sensation is set to reunite with his coach, Pera Riba, who had to take a medical leave during the first months of the season. This news comes as a lighthouse for HOPE for the 22-year-old player, who had an unusual 2024 season under Riba’s guidance, including a Grand Slam-Protable Performance and a triumphant race at the Paris Olympics.

Riba, a former Spanish tennis player, had to go back from his coaching tasks due to a persistent hip problem that required surgical intervention. This left Zheng without her trusted confidant during the Australian summer and the Middle East swing, significant events in the tennis calendar.

In Riba’s absence, Zheng sought help from coaches Dante Bottini and Albert Costa. However, the absence of her primary coach felt as she suffered a smooth 1-3 start in her first three tournaments of the year. But with Riba’s recovery and imminent return to coaching tasks, as confirmed by a recent selfie sent by Zheng, the headline “Welcome Back” was expected to regain her foot on the field.

The Chinese player is now preparing for the double Sunshine tournament at Indian Wells with renewed force, with the aim of putting behind her the unlucky three-match losing line that has blown her 2025 season. After securing a win against Anca Todoni in the Australian Open first round, Zheng suffered coherent losses to Laura Siegemund, Wed Jabeur and Peyton Stearns.

It is worth noting that Zheng’s performance was reportedly hampered by health issues during her three-set loss to Stearns in Dubai’s first round two weeks ago. According to a statement from WTA, Zheng complained about cramps in the fingers and calves due to the extreme heat and long wait.

As Zheng holds up to her next challenge at Indian Wells, where she has had two second round excursions in the past, the return of her coach from his medical hiatus is expected to give her the much needed boost. With the renewed partnership, Zheng sets its sights by turning the tide and making a strong comeback in the 2025 season.