Paris Olympics medalists Zheng Qinwen, Donna Vekic & Iga Swiatek come together on podium for adorable victory selfie
“At the Paris Olympics 2024, the women’s tennis podium showcased an unforgettable moment as Qinwen Zheng, Donna Vekic, and Iga Swiatek celebrated their achievements with a heartwarming selfie. Zheng emerged as the gold medalist, having triumphed over Vekic in a thrilling final. Swiatek secured the bronze medal, finishing her campaign with a commanding victory over Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.
The final of the women’s tennis event took place on Saturday, August 3, 2024, while Swiatek’s bronze medal match had occurred the previous day, Friday, August 2. Following the conclusion of the medal presentation ceremony, the three medalists gathered for a joyful selfie. The photograph captured their beaming smiles and camaraderie as Swiatek, the Pole who played a pivotal role in this prestigious event, took the picture. Their shared moment of triumph highlighted not only their individual successes but also the spirit of sportsmanship that defined the tournament.
Iga Swiatek entered the Olympics as the clear favorite for the gold medal, largely due to her exceptional prowess on clay courts and her impressive track record at Roland Garros, where she had secured multiple titles. However, her quest for gold was thwarted in the semifinals by Zheng, who delivered a remarkable performance to secure her place in the final. Despite this setback, Swiatek’s campaign was marked by significant victories in the earlier rounds. She began her journey by defeating Irina-Camelia Begu in the first round, followed by triumphs over Diane Parry and Wang Xiyu in the second and third rounds, respectively. Swiatek’s path to the semifinals also saw her opponent, Collins, retire during their quarterfinal match, with Swiatek leading 1-6, 6-4, 1-4 at the time of retirement.
Donna Vekic’s journey to the semifinals was equally impressive. She navigated through a competitive draw, first overcoming Lucia Bronzetti in the opening round. In the second round, Vekic faced and defeated Bianca Andreescu, followed by a victory over Coco Gauff in the third round. The quarterfinals presented a formidable challenge for Vekic as she battled Marta Kostyuk in a grueling match that ended with a narrow 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(8) win. Vekic’s resilience and skill were evident throughout her matches, ultimately propelling her to the final.
Qinwen Zheng’s performance throughout the tournament was a testament to her remarkable talent and determination. Zheng commenced her campaign with a win against Sara Errani in the first round. She continued her impressive run by defeating Arantxa Rus and Emma Navarro in the second and third rounds, respectively. The quarterfinals were particularly intense, as Zheng faced Angelique Kerber. In a match that showcased her competitive spirit and technical prowess, Zheng edged past Kerber with a close 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(6) scoreline.
In the first semifinal, Zheng showcased her formidable skills and emerged victorious against Swiatek, securing her place in the gold medal match. The second semifinal saw Vekic defeat Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, setting the stage for the gold medal showdown between Zheng and Vekic. The final was a high-stakes encounter, with Zheng ultimately clinching the gold medal in a match that demonstrated her exceptional form and mental fortitude.
Swiatek’s performance in the bronze medal match was a display of her resilience and skill. She faced Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and secured the bronze medal with a comprehensive 6-2, 6-1 victory. The match underscored Swiatek’s determination and ability to perform under pressure, rounding out a memorable tournament for her.
- The podium presentation and subsequent selfie captured the essence of the women’s tennis competition at the Paris Olympics 2024. Zheng, Vekic, and Swiatek, despite the intense competition, shared a moment of unity and joy. Their selfie not only celebrated their individual achievements but also highlighted the mutual respect and camaraderie that existed among the athletes. It was a poignant reminder of the spirit of the Olympics, where excellence on the court is matched by sportsmanship off it.
