Not a hugger, Zheng Qinwen makes exception for fellow Olympic gold medalist

Hug me, sister! Zheng Qinwen shared the love (literally) at the China Open on Friday with champion swimmer Zhang Yufei, who conducted the ceremonial coin toss ahead of Zheng's quarterfinal match against Mirra Andreeva.

The China Open's golden girl, who this summer made history as the first Chinese tennis player to win a gold medal in singles, has been a fan favorite in her return to Beijing. But as far as spreading the love herself, the world No. 7 says she's not much of a hugger.

Zheng made an exception, though, for her fellow Olympic gold medalist, who topped the podium twice in Tokyo, before eventually rallying for a three-set win against Andreeva to reach her first career WTA 1000 semifinal on her home turf.

"After shaking her hand, I gave her a hug. I don't usually give people hugs," Zheng said after the match. "On the tour, I don't usually give people hugs. I see my hugs as very precious. So I treat Yufei as a true friend."

Though Zhang did not join her compatriot on top of the podium in Paris, the 26-year-old did win six medals in total, the most for any athlete competing at the Games, and became a viral sensation because she couldn't figure out where to put them all.

"We have a lot of things in common," Zheng continued. "We share positive energy together. I really appreciate this friend. Very happy she was here today to do the coin toss."

In her first WTA 1000 semifinal, Zheng will face Karolina Muchova, who toppled No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka and ended the US Open champion's 15-match winning streak.

She is seeking to make more history for her country, and become the first Chinese woman to reach the singles final at the China Open since the tournament began in 2004.