Zheng Qinwen adds Marcos Baghdatis to coaching line-up, dismisses talk of Riba split

China tennis star Zheng Qinwen has named former world No 8 Marcos Baghdatis as her new coach and dismissed talk of a split with former trainer Pere Riba, saying the Spaniard was just taking a break.

Zheng had sparked rumours of a split with Riba after unfollowing her long-time coach on social media and posting the Nietzsche quote, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how”, on a revamped profile.

But speaking on Wednesday ahead of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, she said the 37-year-old was “just temporarily away from the team for rest” and believed the surgery that led to her six-month absence from the WTA Tour had led to increased interest in her social media.

“If you know what you want, you can bear anything life throws at you,” Zheng said when explaining the quote. “I think this saying really applies to me.”

“Because I have a goal and a dream I want to achieve, I’ll tackle and overcome any difficulties and obstacles along the way without hesitation.”

Baghdatis had joined the team with the hope he could “bring some new changes and help my tennis improve further”, Zheng added.