Why did Zheng Qinwen unexpectedly miss the high-profile match against Perry Riba? Fans are speculating: Is there another coaching change?

In the second round of the Doha women's singles, Zheng Qinwen, back from injury, endured a grueling 168-minute battle to narrowly defeat the American heavy hitter Parker 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-2, securing her place in the round of 16. Yet, what ignited fan debates earlier than the victory itself was the noticeable absence of head coach Pere Riba during the match.

Shortly after the first set began, observant viewers noticed during the broadcast that unlike the previous match, head coach Pere Riba was missing from the player's team box this time, which sparked much discussion among netizens after the game.

“Has Riba also quit?” One fan’s question on social media quickly gained hundreds of likes, reflecting widespread concerns about possible changes in Zheng Qinwen’s already turbulent team. After all, from 2023 to early 2024, Zheng experienced coaching upheavals, and only with Riba’s return at the end of 2023 did the team regain stability.

“Maybe it’s just a rest due to fatigue? The season is long after all.” Another group of fans took a more rational view. They believe that since Riba and Zheng have worked together for a long time with strong chemistry, missing one tournament’s first week isn’t worth overinterpreting. Some even joked, “Without Riba frowning at the sidelines, Qinwen seemed calmer and played the final set really well.”

“Perhaps he’s preparing for the next round? Facing Rybakina requires special tactics.” This speculation also holds merit. Zheng is about to face the new Australian Open champion Rybakina, undoubtedly her first “high-level match” since returning. Some think Riba might be working behind the scenes on targeted strategies, planning to be present for this crucial battle.

A more subtle theory points to a “trial period.” A few cautious fans wonder if this is the team’s way of preparing for a potential coaching change. Since top players face tight schedules, occasionally testing different coaching setups on site is not uncommon.

Unfortunately, so far, neither Zheng Qinwen’s team nor the WTA has given any explanation about Riba’s absence. Mainstream domestic reports have also made no mention of his whereabouts. All discussions remain purely speculative among fans.

This information vacuum itself might indicate something. If it were just a normal temporary absence, the team could easily quell rumors with a simple statement from accompanying staff. Instead, ongoing silence turns “Where is Riba?” into an unavoidable mystery.

Based on the available information, the author leans toward the following plausible explanations:

First and most likely: Riba temporarily left due to personal matters or minor health issues. The tennis season is long, and coaching staff also face physical strain and family balance challenges. Zheng recently returned and mainly relied on fitness trainers during early rehab. A brief absence by Riba to handle private affairs would not disrupt overall preparation. If so, he will probably return for the third round against Rybakina.

Second, a strategic “absence” due to tactical division of labor. Zheng showed a different rhythm against Parker — deliberately slowing down and allowing herself errors on non-serve points. Could this adjustment have been prearranged by Riba off-court? If he prepared the tactical framework in advance and entrusted in-match execution to a trusted assistant coach, it would indicate mature team coordination.

Third, the possibility of another team upheaval must be ruled out. Although not impossible, it is unlikely. Zheng spoke calmly about her elbow recovery after the match, saying “things are improving.” If there were real cracks in the coaching group, the player’s emotional state would be hard to remain so stable.

Tonight, Zheng will play on the center court against Rybakina, fresh off her Australian Open title. This is not only their second meeting since the 2024 year-end finals but also the true test of Zheng’s comeback. Wherever Riba is at this moment, he should not and likely will not miss this crucial match. As fans say: when Zheng “takes the stage,” Riba should be right there by her side.

The mystery of the coach’s whereabouts will be revealed tonight. Yet more important than the answer is whether Zheng Qinwen can rediscover the form that conquered the year-end championships in the Doha night breeze.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)