Zheng Qinwen was forced to retire during her third-round match at the China Open in Beijing against Linda Noskova. After battling through two sets, Zheng called for a medical timeout early in the third, trailing 0-3, and ultimately withdrew due to pain in her right elbow.
Return after surgery
This tournament marked Zheng’s return to competition following elbow surgery performed in July. The Chinese star had been sidelined for over two months and entered the event with cautious optimism about her recovery.
“I had persistent pain in my right elbow during training and matches. After trying different treatments, surgery was the only solution,” Zheng said after her first-round win, reflecting on the decision to undergo the procedure.
Physical condition still uncertain
Despite her comeback, Zheng admitted she was not yet at full strength. “The China Open wasn’t originally in our plans because I’m not at 100%. Maybe 80%, 70%, but I can still compete,” she explained earlier in the week.
Her retirement raises concerns about the elbow’s condition and casts doubt on her participation in upcoming events. Zheng confirmed she will consult her medical team again to assess the situation and determine next steps.
Qinwen Zheng in 2025
Now ranked no.9, Zheng played her last match on the 29th
of September when she had to retire when playing against world no.27 Linda Noskova in the 3rd round and the scoreline was 6-4 3-6 3-0 .This year Qinwen has a composed 20-12 match record. Qinwen Zheng’s best accomplishment of this year was reaching the semifinal in Rome and London.
WTA Beijing - Linda Noskova's projected path
Noskova in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently ranked no.27, Noskova has a 31-22 match record in 2025. Noskova is currently having a run in Beijing where she overcame the world no.152 Xiyu Wang 6-3 6-2 and the world no.9 Qinwen Zheng 6-4 3-6 3-0 ret..
Linda Noskova will square off with the world no.48 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the . Their actual record is 1-0 for Bouzas Maneiro.
Noskova reached the final in Prague (Prague Open).
Qinwen Zheng and Linda Noskova clashed against each other 3 times. Their current record is 2-1 for Zheng.