Zheng Qinwen returns with Queen-like grace, shares her feelings; FAA aims to defend title, Halep makes a comeback on court

Three minutes daily to catch up on global tennis news. Hello tennis fans, today is Sunday, February 8, 2026. Welcome to the midday news report from "Tennis Home."

First, we turn our attention to China’s leading player Zheng Qinwen. Last night Beijing time, the WTA1000 Doha event hosted a player welcome dinner. Zheng Qinwen, confirmed to compete, attended wearing a dark short skirt, looking radiant. Fans cheered, saying, "The Queen vibe is back, no less than a supermodel!"

Before the tournament, Zheng Qinwen shared a 7-minute 19-second video on her social media showing her rehabilitation training. In the video, she candidly revealed her mental journey during recovery: "After surgery, for a long time, my elbow couldn’t reach a normal range of motion. What you see now is the result of many months of hard work, enabling my elbow to regain a normal bending range." "I’m about to return to the familiar courts, hoping to live up to expectations, carrying passion and courage as I start anew!"

While confirming her participation in Doha, Zheng Qinwen also received great news: she was named the global brand ambassador for Turkish Airlines. This marks the first time Turkish Airlines has chosen a Chinese athlete as their worldwide ambassador. Congratulations to Zheng for further elevating her image value!

Next, let’s look at the Davis Cup. Last night Beijing time, the 2026 Davis Cup World Group playoff match between China and Portugal ended successfully. The Chinese team, with a last-minute lineup change, relied on Zhang Zhizhen’s two points in doubles and singles to overturn the tie 3-1 against the Portugal team led by Borges. This is China’s first qualification for the Davis Cup World Group, and they will compete in the main World Group event this September. Congratulations to the young men!

Turning to France: Last night Beijing time, the ATP250 Montpellier tournament concluded its singles semifinals. Defending champion and Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated qualifier Hugo Gaston 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 to reach the 21st final of his career. He will face 37-year-old local veteran Richard Gasquet, who came back from a set down to beat qualifier Dominic Thiem 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 for the final spot.

WTA500 Abu Dhabi: In the singles final, 20-year-old Czech rising star Linda Fruhvirtova defeated second seed Russian player Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(5), 6-1. Starting from the qualifiers, she won seven consecutive matches to claim her first career tour title. Congratulations to her!

WTA250 Cluj-Napoca: Top seed British player Emma Raducanu was defeated 0-6, 2-6 by third seed Romanian player Ana Bogdan, missing out on her second career title. Bogdan dominated on home soil without dropping a set to win her fourth career singles title. At the award ceremony, retired former world No.1 and local star Simona Halep appeared as a presenter and handed the championship trophy to her compatriot.

In the doubles final, the Chinese duo Wang Xinyu and Zheng Saisai were defeated 7-6(7), 6-3 by Lakhimova and Tomova, narrowly missing the championship.

WTA250 Ostrava: In the singles final, British player Katie Boulter came from behind to beat German player Jule Niemeier 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, winning her fourth career tour title and her second of the year after Nottingham 2024.

Looking ahead to next week's events: Last night Beijing time, the ATP500 Rotterdam main draw was announced. Demin, Auger-Aliassime, Rublev, and Medvedev are seeded top four. Players like Fucsovics, Wawrinka, Tsitsipas, and Hurkacz will also compete.

Finally, let's play a guessing game. The photo below shows a player during a match. Without any hints, can you recognize who she is?

Last time’s guess was answered correctly by some fans. Yes, the person in the picture is Italy’s Matteo Musetti.

(Source: Tennis Home Author: Independent Writer)