In a surprising turn of events, WTA World No. 5 Zheng Qinwen has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming United Cup. The decision was revealed on her Instagram account, where she cited the need for rest, recovery, and good training to prepare for the new season.
Zheng had an incredibly long and successful season in 2024, boasting a record of 50-18 with three singles titles, including a gold medal at the Paris Summer Olympics. Despite her achievements, she emphasized the importance of taking extra time to ensure she is fully prepared for the challenges ahead.
The United Cup, set to begin on December 27, 2024, is a unique international tournament that allows players to represent their countries while earning rankings points. Zheng’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Chinese team, as she was a key player in their campaign last year.
While some may view this decision as risky, given the importance of early-season tournaments, Zheng remains optimistic about her prospects for the upcoming Australian Open. She expressed her excitement about returning to Australia and competing in Melbourne in a couple of weeks.
Tennis fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Zheng’s performance as she gears up for what promises to be another thrilling season on the WTA tour.
Qinwen Zheng in 2024
Now ranked no.5 (career-high), the Chinese played her last match on the 9th of November when she lost to world no.3 Cori Gauff 3-6 6-4 7-6(2) in the final in Riyadh (draw).
At the moment, during this season Qinwen has achieved a composed 52-18 record. Zheng conquered 3 titles in 2024 in Palermo, Paris and Tokyo. Zheng was the finalist at the Australian Open, Wuhan and Riyadh.
