Zheng didn’t mention what her goal is, but it isn’t a stretch to believe that landing a maiden Grand Slam title lies at or near the top of the list.

For now, countrywoman Li Na remains the lone Chinese player to win a Grand Slam singles title.

READ: Li Na returns to the Australian Open a decade after historic win

Zheng and Li spent time together at last year’s tournament, though Aryna Sabalenka scuppered a poignant anniversary – Li had won the title 10 years earlier – by successfully defending her crown.

“If I am a boss in my team, I think I am a tough boss for them,” Zheng added. “I’ve been pushing everyone.”

Unlike any of her Top 10 peers (barring the injured Barbora Krejcikova), Zheng didn’t contest a tournament in the build-up but focused on her off-season training after a little break. 

The team she spoke of now includes Dante Bottini, who formerly worked with players including Kei Nishikori and Grigor Dimitrov. Pere Riba, alongside 12 months ago, didn’t accompany Zheng to Melbourne as the Spaniard is recovering from hip surgery.

“We have good work together,” Zheng said of Bottini. “He brings me some new opinion. I just follow his advice.

“I didn’t choose to play any tournament before the Australian Open because I think for me it’s important to have long time, pre-season.

“Let’s see how it goes this year.”