Interviews | WTT Finals Fukuoka

Interviewer: Chuqin, you played with great determination today. What specific adjustments and recovery steps have you taken since the Frankfurt Champions event?

Wang Chuqin: I think it’s mainly been about active and positive communication with my coaches, including Coach Wang Hao and Coach Xiao Zhan. After the Olympics, my mental and emotional state wasn’t in a great place. I wanted to take some time to recover and reset, but as things unfolded, I had no choice but to force myself to start making changes.

Recently, my match results haven’t been ideal. There’s been a stark contrast compared to my performance before the Olympics. But I think that’s normal. Both Coach Wang Hao and Coach Xiao Zhan have talked to me a lot, emphasizing that every athlete goes through a period like this. As long as you stay firm in your beliefs and believe that what you want is to keep climbing and pushing forward, things may eventually get better.

Interviewer: This is the last WTT event of the year. Throughout the year, you’ve held the world No. 1 ranking for a long time. What’s your take on being ranked No. 1?

Wang Chuqin: Well, being ranked world No. 1 is, of course, incredibly exciting and thrilling when you first achieve it. But it doesn’t feel as significant as it seemed once you get there. What truly matters are your actual match results, and reaching No. 1 usually reflects earning many ranking points by winning multiple championships. So, it’s something with two sides, but it’s not something I focus on or care about too much overall.

Interviewer: After the match, we saw you chatting briefly with your opponent’s coach. Can you share what you talked about?

Wang Chuqin: That was Coach Rosskopf (Jorg Rosskopf). I was on his team when I played in the T2 League. My basic English allows me to have short conversations with him, and we’ve always had a good relationship, often greeting each other over the years. After the match, he mentioned that I seemed to be improving little by little, and encouraged me to keep it up.

Interviewer: You’ve mentioned that things haven’t been going smoothly recently. As one of the world’s top players, how do you approach today’s WTT Finals and deal with the pressure and challenges?

Wang Chuqin: Honestly, after the Olympics, whether it’s through the internet or elsewhere… Even though I don’t actively seek it out… you still catch wind of it because you have to use your phone. I could feel the public’s expectations of me, and with my changing role in the team, I found it difficult to accept and process. Mentally, I was still stuck in the mindset I had in the past.

After the Olympics, I was a bit disappointed in myself, or whatever it might have been… My emotions and thoughts didn’t have time to settle before I jumped back into competitions. The rhythm of everything wasn’t what I expected. But I’m deeply grateful to Coach Wang Hao, Coach Xiao Zhan, and the many friends and family members around me. They encouraged me, no matter how poorly I performed. They gave me guidance and support, which I appreciate greatly.

I hope that, through each match, I can gradually find my form again. I wouldn’t say I’m trying to return to where I was before but to start fresh and build something new.

Interviewer: Congratulations on winning this match, Chuqin. You’ve had a strong record against Truls Moregardh – does winning today help you overcome any lingering frustrations from your previous loss to him?

Wang Chuqin: Not really. Losing a match doesn’t make it about revenge or anything like that. A match is just a match – it represents that specific competition, not everything. Yes, I lost to him, but Moregardh didn’t win his Olympic silver medal just by beating me – he defeated many outstanding players along the way. So I don’t focus too much on that one match or on him. After all, there are many excellent players out there, not just him.

Our real competition is with the world – competing against the best players from other countries. It’s not about any one specific player. So for me, today was just another regular match. If I had treated it as something special, I probably wouldn’t have been able to win today.

Interviewer: You started today’s match with great momentum and energy. Can you talk about your mindset and tactical approach going into this game?

Wang Chuqin: As I mentioned yesterday, I approached this match as a challenger. I had recently lost to him, and I could tell he’s been improving and is in great form. My focus was on giving my all in every single point, trying to find that “in the zone” feeling I’ve experienced in previous matches – where you become completely immersed and feel like you’re one with the game.

Interviewer: In the final game, you lost a few match points but still managed to close it out. Do you feel that’s something you handled well today?

Wang Chuqin: Honestly, I just had to grit my teeth and fight for every point, reading his shots and anticipating his next moves. I was fortunate to win in the end – it could have gone either way. But losing those match points is definitely something I need to work on for the future.

Wang Chuqin: My goal for this match is to never give up on any point, no matter how badly I might be outplayed. I want to fight for every single point and gradually find my competitive rhythm and mental focus.

Interviewer: You made a great comeback in the second game but couldn’t convert the key points. What goes through your mind during those crucial moments, especially on match points?

Wang Chuqin: For that 10:9 point, if I had the chance to play it again, I’d still make the same choice. It just didn’t work out this time. What’s most important for me is establishing my playing style, refining it, and committing to my shots confidently. That’s my style, my game. For instance, at 10:8 in the final game, he countered my attack on the first point, but I still went for an aggressive flick on the second. I think I handled those situations better than in my previous matches.

Interviewer: Since Moregardh defeated you on his way to winning Olympic silver, fans have eagerly anticipated this rematch, especially after the draw came out. Now that you’ve won, does it feel different emotionally?

Wang Chuqin: Not really. I think fans and I see things differently. Everyone has their own thoughts and perspectives, but I can’t let others’ expectations define me. For me, this was about wanting to win a quarterfinal match and keep advancing. I’m focused on making a fresh start and continuing to improve.

Interviewer: In an earlier interview, I asked Moregardh who his best friend on the Chinese team is, and he said it’s you. As peers of the same age, do you interact much on and off the court?

Wang Chuqin: On the court, we both aim to win and play our best to kill the games. But off the court… On the court, it’s about the game. Off the court, it’s about being human. There’s no need to bring the emotions from the game to life off the table.

Interviewer: On the court, you’re clearly the center of attention, with every move you make drawing focus. Is maintaining concentration during matches a significant challenge for you?

Wang Chuqin: This has been an ongoing challenge for me since the Olympics. I still haven’t found the best way to handle the increased attention and the change in my role and status. Learning to view this spotlight and these changes with a balanced and positive mindset is something I’m still working on. When it all came so suddenly, I wasn’t mentally or emotionally prepared to handle it well. But now that I’m being forced to adapt, I’m trying to approach everything with a more positive attitude.

Interviewer: Are you feeling pressure heading into the final?

Wang Chuqin: Pressure is something every player on the Chinese national team experiences, but how we handle it… I think it would help if you (the media) stopped reinforcing this pressure narrative for us. I treat every match as if it’s my last, and I honestly hadn’t even expected to reach the final. I’ll keep this mindset and attitude, giving my all without regrets.

Interviewer: The media attention and the hype around your opponents may create challenges off the court. How do you manage that?

Wang Chuqin: I try to avoid talking about it or even looking at it. After all, it’s just external noise. I’m the one playing the match, not other people’s opinions. If you let others affect you, that shows you have vulnerabilities in your own game. Ultimately, it comes down to how strong you are internally.

Interviewer: What’s your view on fans trying to maintain order during matches?

Wang Chuqin: I know the fans mean well, but there are staff and security personnel to handle those situations. They don’t need to exhaust themselves over it. Just let me follow my rhythm, and it’ll be fine.

Interviewer: After these consecutive wins and your improving performance, what’s the most important thing you keep reminding yourself of?

Wang Chuqin: I think it’s crucial to maintain a sense of respect and humility, for both your opponents and the game itself. You can’t let your guard down just because you feel you’re playing better. I’ll continue to approach everything carefully and give my full effort, both on and off the court.

Interviewer: You’ve mentioned engaging in rallies with opponents more. In this style transition, is it more challenging to adjust technically or mentally?

Wang Chuqin: Actually, my rally game depends on my mental state. When I’m in the right headspace, I’m not afraid to rally with anyone.

Interviewer: Tomorrow you’ll face Tomokazu Harimoto, who’ll have home home-court advantage. Your thoughts?

Wang Chuqin: He’s been playing exceptionally well in this tournament, really outstanding. His overall form, momentum, and competitive state are all at their peak. For me, making it to the final is already an achievement. I’ll just give it my all and enjoy the match.

Interviewer: Congratulations, Chuqin, on winning the WTT Finals championship! In today’s match, Harimoto only briefly led in the second and fourth games. How do you view your performance?

Wang Chuqin: Honestly, there’s no need to overanalyze this match (laughs). I didn’t expect myself to play this well. I don’t think Harimoto did it either. Everyone, including myself, probably thought this would be an extremely tough match. I came into the final with the mindset of a challenger, an underdog, which helped me handle the pressure. President Liu (Liu Guoliang), Coach Wang Hao, and Coach Xiao Zhan all talked to me before the match, and their advice really helped me release some of that pressure.

Wang Chuqin: I didn’t expect it either, and perhaps Harimoto didn’t as well. His semifinal win and the home-court advantage in Japan probably made him feel he had a chance, he likely came into the match with that mindset. However, he wasn’t fully in rhythm at the start, and I capitalized on that. From there, I maintained the lead and kept putting pressure on him. Gradually, I think I broke through his mental defenses.

Interviewer: You started shouting after scoring the second point in the first game. Was this part of your thorough pre-match preparation, including getting yourself fired up?

Wang Chuqin: Absolutely. Harimoto is one of Team China’s strongest opponents, and he came into the final in great form, especially after beating Lin Shidong in the semifinals. Knowing this, I had to make sure to prepare as thoroughly as possible for a tough match.

Interviewer: Before the match, Harimoto expressed a strong desire to win the championship. What’s your take on his determination and the final result?

Wang Chuqin: Everyone wants to win a championship, no athlete doesn’t. It’s not just about this particular match, but about every competition. However, sometimes you feel a unique alignment of timing, location, and energy. Maybe the venue suits your vibe, or your form that day is particularly good. That’s when you start feeling like you really might win. For me though, heading into this tournament, I didn’t have high expectations for myself. I was just thinking, “Take it one day at a time, one match at a time.”

Interviewer: We’ve noticed that you’re very good at learning from teammates and opponents. You hugged your coach immediately after winning. What did you want to express to him?

Wang Chuqin: After the Olympics, Coach Wang Hao and I developed a different kind of collaboration. We’re getting to know each other better, and I can feel his genuine desire to help me. I also want to use my abilities to achieve good results for him… not just for him, but for the China national team. I’ve struggled to find a way to break through my limitations. Still, in this tournament, I think I improved match by match because I stayed focused and committed to every single point, gradually finding my better self again.

Interviewer: We saw you celebrating with open arms at the moment of victory… What was going through your mind?

Wang Chuqin: It was like a movie playing in my mind, scene after scene flashing by. The tough moments and happy moments sped through at five times the normal speed in that instant of winning. I didn’t even know how to process my emotions at that moment. I could only let my instincts take over and enjoy the sound of victory again, the cheers from the audience and fans. Being able to savor that again made me feel truly blessed.

Interviewer: In 2022, your win at the Stars of China in Macau ended an 840-day title drought. Last year, you called your Finals victory a fresh start with many expectations. How would you describe this year-end championship?

Wang Chuqin: Well, with the singles season now over for 2024, I think every athlete has experienced their share of ups and downs, bittersweet moments throughout the year. It’s been a fascinating chapter of life.

Table tennis might feel like “everything” to us, but it’s not our entire life. You have to give your absolute best during your professional career and aim for the best results possible, but that doesn’t mean your story ends when the matches are over. Looking back, these experiences will become valuable treasures. I hope these moments, whether they bring traumas or successes, help me grow stronger and faster.

Interviewer: In 2022, your win at the Stars of China in Macau ended an 840-day title drought. Last year, you called your Finals victory a fresh start with lots of expectations. How would you describe this year-end championship?

Wang Chuqin: Well, with the singles season now over for 2024, I think every athlete has experienced their share of ups and downs, bittersweet moments throughout the year. It’s been a fascinating chapter of life.

Table tennis might feel like “everything” to us, but it’s not our entire life. You have to give your absolute best during your professional career and aim for the best results possible, but that doesn’t mean your story ends when the matches are over. Looking back, these experiences will become valuable treasures. I hope these moments, whether they bring traumas or successes, help me grow stronger and faster.

Interviewer: From the start of the Fukuoka Finals to the end, we’ve seen you improve match by match. Many people talk about wanting you to leave behind past losses, but earlier, during your on-court interview, you described 2024 as an “unforgettable year.” Does that reflect a deeper understanding of this year for you?

Wang Chuqin: Yes, 2024 was my most complete year in terms of major competitions, including the World Cup, World Championships, and Olympics. I went through some very unusual and valuable experiences, which are incredibly valuable for my future.

Based on my understanding then, I wanted some time to adjust and transition after the Olympics. The ups and downs during the Olympic period affected my mental state, and I felt I needed a buffer to recover. But as time passed, I had no choice but to push myself to catch up and restart quickly.

During this restart process, I didn’t achieve the results or regain the form I wanted through several tournaments. I gradually felt like I was losing my form. Every day was quite painful, whether I was training or not. I felt like I couldn’t find a breakthrough.

But when you can’t find the way forward, all you can do is take it one step at a time. I’m particularly grateful for something my Brother Long (Ma Long) said to me when I returned to Beijing: “Perseverance and willpower.” Those words were incredibly important for me during this tournament.

Interviewer: This is the final battle of the 2024 WTT season. How do you summarize your 2024 and look forward to 2025?

Wang Chuqin: My 2024 season, as I mentioned earlier, had its ups and downs, and I especially want to thank every member of the China National Team. Behind every championship, it’s never just about the individual – it’s about the collective effort of the entire team. From Coach Wang Hao and Coach Xiao’s care and guidance during preparation and their mental support, to Lin Shidong joining my training sessions right after his loss yesterday, and Xu Yingbin’s sparring support earlier. I believe everyone’s contributions have been truly valuable. For this tournament in particular, I want to express my gratitude to such an incredible team.

Interviewer: After beating Moregard in the quarterfinals, you made a “9 and 1” hand gesture. Fans speculated it symbolized your 9-1 head-to-head record against him. Is that true?

Wang Chuqin: (rolls eyes) People are reading way too much into it. Maybe I bent my fingers slowly, and somehow you saw the 1 as 9. You guys making too much drama out of nothing. I wasn’t thinking anything like that at all.

Interviewer: Your gestures on the court, like tapping the table, often spark interpretations. How do you feel about people reading so much into these actions?

Wang Chuqin: (sighs) I wish people would stop projecting movie plots or storylines onto me. “History” is being rewritten, and it’s not even what actually happened!

Tapping the table is just my way of telling myself, “You can hit one more. You can keep going.” Touching the table reminds me that I’m still in the fighting and still winning. That’s it. As for the 1 and 9 gesture, I really wasn’t thinking about it. Honestly, I don’t even keep track of the win-loss record.

Interviewer: If you could say something to yourself for your next match, what would it be?

Wang Chuqin: With the singles events of 2024 now behind me, the upcoming Mixed Team World Cup will focus on teamwork. I hope to perform well and contribute as much as I can to the team.

Interviewer: Does this win boost your confidence for the new Olympic cycle?

Wang Chuqin: I think it’s still too early to talk about the Olympic cycle. Right now, I just want to take things one day at a time, enjoy table tennis, and stay happy. That’s my focus after this tournament.