Zheng Qinwen has announced that she will not participate in the upcoming Australian Open as she continues her recovery from a right elbow injury. On Thursday, the 2024 finalist shared her decision on social media, expressing the difficulty of stepping back from a tournament held in a city she considers her “lucky place.”
In her statement, Zheng highlighted her fond memories of Melbourne, where she secured her first Grand Slam main draw victory. She noted, “Although my recovery is progressing well and my offseason has gone smoothly, to play a Grand Slam requires players to maintain an extreme competitive condition. Currently, I have not yet reached my best condition that I have set for myself.”
Zheng’s injury has significantly impacted her playing schedule. In 2025, she participated in only 32 matches due to the persistent discomfort in her playing arm. The situation escalated to the point where she underwent arthroscopic surgery in July 2024, following a first-round loss at Wimbledon. After the surgery, her return to competition began at the China Open in Beijing that September. However, her comeback was short-lived; she had to retire in her second match against Linda Nosková, stating that she needed to evaluate her recovery progress.
Zheng’s remarkable journey in 2024 included a stellar run to the Australian Open final, where she faced Aryna Sabalenka. Despite losing that match, her performance marked the beginning of a breakthrough year that saw her rise to prominence in the sport. She clinched a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, defeating the highly regarded Iga Świątek in the semifinals. Additionally, she reached four more finals, including the season-ending WTA Tour Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The main draws for the Australian Open singles are set to commence on January 18, 2025. As the defending women’s champion, Sabalenka will look to maintain her title, while Jannik Sinner holds the men’s title. Zheng’s absence from the tournament is a significant moment in the lead-up to one of tennis’s most prestigious events, as she prioritizes her health and recovery over immediate competition.
