Zheng Qinwen’s off-court earnings set to top US$30 million after signing up 15th sponsor
World’s fifth-ranked tennis player signs deal with social media giant just days before she tries to win maiden grand slam title at Wimbledon
World No 5 Zheng Qinwen could find herself climbing to the top of a different rankings list after the Olympic tennis champion signed up her 15th commercial sponsor – making her potentially the highest-paid female athlete in the world.
Zheng on Tuesday revealed her partnership with Chinese social media giant RedNote, a move that will only increase her off-court earnings, which surpassed US$15 million in 2024.
State media outlets reported that with the country’s Instagram-style platform on board, the 22-year-old is projected to earn more than 220 million yuan (US$30.7 million) in off-court earnings this year.
“You know me because of tennis, but do you know that I have other hobbies and interests?” Zheng said in her first video on the platform.
“I like singing, dancing and cute furry pets, and of course I love showing off [my outfits].
“I know on RedNote that every domain has amazing netizens, and I hope you can introduce them to me.”