Discovering a hidden talent for golf, Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen has added her name to the long list of tennis players who enjoy the links. The 23-year-old, who has earned over $10.16 million in prize money, is already envisioning a future swapping baseline rallies for fairway drives after retirement.
Speaking after her first-round victory at the Rome Open against Bondar, Zheng was asked about her golf skills and couldn’t hide her surprise. “I was also surprised that I have some talent,” she laughed. “Maybe I should have played golf instead of tennis! Or after I retire, I’ll switch to golf—who knows about the future?” She noted a natural affinity for the sport, explaining, “The golf swing and the tennis backhand motion are somewhat similar—that might be why!”
Zheng is far from alone in her passion for golf on the tennis tour. Many stars, especially on the men’s side, have long been drawn to the sport as a way to escape the intense pressure of professional tennis while maintaining a competitive edge. 
Among current players, Casper Ruud stands out as the biggest golf enthusiast. The 26-year-old three-time Grand Slam finalist often juggles time between tennis and golf. Seven-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz, despite his packed schedule, has steadily improved his golf game. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has also worked on his swing, though his current level still leaves room for improvement.
Golf appeals to tennis players for several reasons. The two sports share similar biomechanical elements: precise timing, controlled swing force, balance, rhythm, and coordination. Yet golf offers a lower risk of injury during breaks and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the high-emotion, direct confrontation of tennis. The 18-hole round provides a calm contrast to the intense, point-by-point pressure of a match. 
Past tennis greats have also dabbled or fully transitioned. Mardy Fish attempted the PGA Tour’s 3M Open in 2022, while former world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty considered turning professional in golf after retiring from tennis at 25. Rafael Nadal was known as one of the best golfing tennis players for years. Retired British star Tim Henman now spends more time on the golf course than on a tennis court.
With Zheng Qinwen openly expressing her interest, fans are eager to see if she will follow in the footsteps of these tennis-golf crossover stars after she hangs up her racket.
