Zheng Qinwen withdraws from United Cup, will start new season with Australian Open

Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen will miss the United Cup mixed team tournament. She will begin the 2025 season at the Australian Open next month.

Despite the defeat to Aryna Sabalenka in the first major final of 2024, Zheng did win the Olympic gold medal in Paris, along with WTA Tour titles in Tokyo and Palermo. The Chinese, who finished runner-up at the Wuhan Open and WTA Finals, have played 68 matches this season.

Zheng said on Instagram, “After 2024 I need a few extra weeks of rest, recovery, and good training to be ready for the new season. I had a great time at the United Cup in January this year, so I will miss this event very much. Nevertheless, I am very excited to be back in Australia soon and I will see you all in Melbourne in a few weeks."

China begin their United Cup campaign on Friday (Dec 27) against Brazil in Perth, with Gao Xinyu as their number one women's player. The Australian Open starts on January 12.