Dior, the famous French fashion brand, has announced that Zheng Qinwen, a 22-year-old Chinese tennis star, is its new global ambassador. Zheng made history by becoming the first Asian player to win a gold medal in singles at the Paris Olympics. She is currently ranked fifth in the world by the Women’s Tennis Association.
Dior believes that Zheng represents the elegance and boldness of their style, describing her as “femininity in perpetual motion.” This partnership demonstrates Dior’s commitment to empowering women and celebrating their success in various fields.
Zheng, who hails from Shiyan in China’s Hubei province, started playing tennis when she was just 7 years old and entered the professional arena in 2019. She quickly rose to fame in the professional tennis world, defeating a top-10 player at the French Open in 2022 and winning her first Women’s Tennis Association title at the Palermo Ladies Open in 2023.
Zheng continued to shine in 2024. She reached the final of the Australian Open, defended her title at the Palermo Ladies Open, and won the Olympic gold medal by defeating several top players, including world number one Iga Swiatek. Her stellar performances throughout the year earned her numerous accolades, including nominations for WTA Player of the Year 2024 and awards for Fan Favorite Singles, WTA 250 Best Moment and Shot of the Year.
Zheng’s new role as Dior’s global ambassador demonstrates the brand’s continued efforts to work with outstanding female athletes. Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s Creative director of womenswear, has often incorporated sports elements into her designs since her first collection in 2016. Chiuri also played a major role in the Paris Olympics, creating outfits for famous performers such as Lady Gaga and Celine Dion for the opening ceremony.
Zheng joins a strong team of female athlete ambassadors that Dior has assembled for the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. They include Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah, American soccer player Alex Morgan and Australian swimmer Emma McKeon. Dior also worked with its parent company, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, to select three other ambassadors: gymnast Mélanie de Jesus dos Santos, wheelchair tennis player Pauline Déroulède and para-cyclist Marie Patouillet.
