Zheng Qinwen Pulls Out of 2025 United Cup to Prioritize Australian Open Glory

Zheng Qinwen Prioritizes Australian Open Preparation with Withdrawal from 2025 United Cup

Zheng Qinwen, China’s rising tennis star and Olympic gold medalist, has made the decision to withdraw from the 2025 United Cup mixed-teams tournament to focus on her preparation for the upcoming Australian Open. The 22-year-old, who enjoyed a standout season in 2024, shared her decision on social media, explaining the need for rest, recovery, and focused training before the first Grand Slam of the 2025 season.

Having achieved incredible success in 2024, Zheng Qinwen’s season was one to remember. She reached the Australian Open final in January, where she faced Aryna Sabalenka, although she fell short in the title match. Despite the loss, it was a monumental achievement in her career, marking her as one of the top contenders in women’s tennis. Following that breakthrough, Zheng clinched gold at the Paris Olympics, further solidifying her place among the sport’s elite. To cap off the year, she finished runner-up at the WTA Finals, ending 2024 ranked at a career-high No. 5 in the world.

Despite her remarkable year, Zheng acknowledged the physical and mental toll that the season had taken on her. She revealed in her statement, “After the long season that 2024 was for me, I need a few extra weeks of rest, recovery, and good training to get ready for the new season.” This decision reflects her commitment to ensuring that she enters the 2025 season fully prepared to continue her ascent in the rankings and compete at the highest level.

Zheng had originally planned to represent China at the United Cup, which begins on December 27. However, with the Australian Open just around the corner, Zheng opted to focus on her fitness and training to ensure she is at her best for the January 12 start of the Australian Open. She expressed her disappointment in missing the event, especially after her enjoyable experience at the United Cup in 2024, but reassured her fans that she would be back in Australia soon. “I had such a fantastic time at the United Cup in January of this year, and therefore will miss the event greatly. Still, I’m so excited to be back in Australia soon and I will see you all in Melbourne in a couple of weeks,” she shared.

Zheng’s absence from the United Cup leaves Gao Xinyu, currently ranked No. 175, as China’s top-ranked female player for the tournament. Zhang Zhizhen, ranked No. 45, will lead the men’s team as China faces Brazil in Perth, Australia on December 29. Despite the changes, Zheng’s absence highlights the personal commitment to her career that has already paid off in 2024.

With the Australian Open fast approaching, Zheng Qinwen is set to make her return to Melbourne, where she hopes to continue building on her momentum from last year’s stellar performances. Fans of the Chinese tennis star will be eager to see how she performs at the first Grand Slam of 2025 as she works towards further achievements on the world stage.