Key Takeaways
- Zheng Qinwen withdrew from the Wuhan Open due to a right shoulder injury and match fatigue just 1 day after winning the China Open.
- Zheng, who described having “a very tough year” following an elbow problem, will return to the top 30 after her title run in Beijing.
- Runner-up Mirra Andreeva also pulled out of Wuhan due to a schedule change, allowing lucky losers Camila Osorio and Anna Bondar into the draw.
Fatigue and shoulder injury halt Zheng after title run
Zheng Qinwen has withdrawn from the Wuhan Open due to a right shoulder injury and physical exhaustion, only 1 day after capturing the China Open trophy in Beijing. The reigning Olympic champion defeated French Open winner Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 on Sunday to seal her first WTA crown in 2 years, celebrating with an impromptu karaoke performance on court for the home fans.
However, the demanding turnaround proved too difficult to manage. Zheng explained that an intense schedule across the US Open, Billie Jean King Cup and Beijing took a significant physical toll on her body, making it impossible to take the court in Wuhan.
Reflecting on a challenging stretch
Addressing the tournament and her supporters through the WTA, Zheng expressed regret over missing the WTA 1000 event, noting her deep connection to the city. She stated, “I’ve been through a very tough year,” before addressing the recent heavy workload that ultimately forced her withdrawal.
The Chinese star added: “My body is feeling very fatigued after this intense run of matches.” Looking ahead, she voiced her intention to return to Wuhan next season in peak condition.
Impact on the draw and Andreeva’s withdrawal
Zheng was not the only finalist to pull out of the tournament. Andreeva, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, also withdrew from the main draw, citing adjustments to her competitive schedule.
Their departures opened spots in the main draw for lucky losers from the qualifying rounds. Colombia’s Camila Osorio took Zheng’s position, while Hungary’s Anna Bondar replaced Andreeva. Despite missing out on Wuhan, Zheng’s victory in Beijing marks a remarkable turnaround in her campaign: after an elbow injury dropped her ranking from a career-best No. 4 down to 160, the wildcard entrant will re-enter the world’s top 30.
WTA Wuhan - Qinwen Zheng's projected path
Qinwen Zheng in 2026
Currently ranked no.54, Qinwen played her last match on the 11th of October when she overcame world no.5 Mirra Andreeva 7-5 6-4 in the final in Beijing to win her 6th career title.
At the moment, during this season Zheng has achieved an overall 25-15 win-loss record. Qinwen conquered 1 title in Beijing.
