The world of professional tennis has been rocked by an unprecedented scandal this week, following Zheng Qinwen’s explosive accusations against Aryna Sabalenka at the Miami Open. In a surprising development, Chinese tycoon Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, has broken his usual silence on sports matters to announce his support for Zheng, pledging to back her with a sum of $100 million in a lawsuit that promises to change the course of the sport.
The drama began after the quarterfinal match at the Miami Open, where World No. 1 Sabalenka defeated No. 9 Zheng Qinwen 6-4, 6-3. However, what seemed like a routine victory turned into a monumental controversy when Zheng publicly accused Sabalenka of “cheating” during the match. While the specific details of the alleged irregularities have yet to be clarified, Zheng hinted at manipulation of refereeing decisions and possible unfair tactics at key moments during the match. “I can’t stay silent when someone plays dirty and gets away with it,” Zheng said at a post-match press conference.
The accusation didn’t go unnoticed. Hours later, Jack Ma weighed in with a statement that left the world speechless. “Zheng Qinwen is a symbol of courage and justice,” the billionaire wrote in a social media post. “I stand with her in this battle and will contribute $100 million to bring the truth to light.” This astronomical sum, intended to fund Zheng’s lawsuit, includes claims for emotional damages, damage to her reputation, and loss of business opportunities, elevating the dispute to a level never before seen in tennis.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF), charged with overseeing the integrity of the sport, had no choice but to act. “We have launched a thorough investigation into the allegations made,” an ITF spokesperson said. “We will review match footage, Hawk-Eye data, and the testimonies of the officials and players involved to ensure justice is served.” Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s team issued a brief but firm statement: “Aryna strongly denies these baseless allegations and is confident that the investigation will prove her innocence.”
The confrontation between Zheng and Sabalenka, which has been intense in the past—such as in the 2024 Australian Open final won by Sabalenka—has now reached a critical point. Social media is divided: some fans support Zheng for “speaking out against the establishment,” while others accuse her of exaggerating to justify her defeat. “Sabalenka is a champion, not a cheater,” wrote one user on X. In contrast, another commented: “If Jack Ma is putting that much money in, something serious must have happened.”
The intervention of Ma, an influential figure with a net worth in the billions, has added a geopolitical and financial dimension to the scandal. Analysts speculate that his support could be motivated by a desire to raise the profile of Chinese tennis, with Zheng as one of its greatest hopes following her Olympic gold medal. However, it has also drawn criticism, with some suggesting that his support turns the case into a “media circus” rather than a legitimate pursuit of justice.
As the ITF investigation unfolds, the Miami Open has been overshadowed by this legal and sporting storm. The question on everyone’s mind is: Will Zheng prove her accusations against Sabalenka, or will her case crumble under the scrutiny? With $100 million and the prestige of two of the world’s best players at stake, this clash is destined to leave an indelible mark on tennis history. Stay tuned.
