Zheng Qinwen has added former world No. 4 Marcos Baghdatis to her coaching team while reaffirming that Pere Riba remains her head coach despite speculation. Social media activity had fueled rumors of a split, but Zheng clarified Riba is only taking a temporary rest. The move comes as Zheng returns from an elbow injury and prepares for Indian Wells with ambitions to regain her competitive edge.
Zheng Qinwen confirms coaching team structure ahead of Indian Wells
Ahead of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open, Zheng Qinwen announced that 2006 Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis has joined her coaching team. She emphasized that Pere Riba remains her head coach, describing Baghdatis’s role as complementary rather than a replacement. Zheng expressed optimism that Baghdatis could “bring me something different and help my tennis improve further,” while noting her fitness coach has also returned from injury. Tennis World +
Zheng Qinwen clears air on coaching rumors after unfollowing Pere Riba on Instagram
Zheng missed the US Open and Australian Open due to an elbow injury, undergoing surgery that has improved her serve and allowed full extension. She returned in Doha, securing wins over Sofia Kenin and Alycia Parks before narrowly losing to Elena Rybakina. Seeded No. 24 at Indian Wells, she enters with confidence, noting her body has “basically recovered to a normal state now.” thetennisgazette.com +
Zheng
QinwenZheng Qinwen
Chinese professional tennis player. She has been ranked world No. 4 by the WTA, achieved in June 2025, and is only the second Chinese player to reach the top 5 in women’s singles after Li Na. Zheng has won five career singles titles, including the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first Asian tennis player to win an Olympic gold medal in singles.