Olympic Medalist Zheng Chooses to Prioritize Australian Open Over United Cup Participation
Zheng Qinwen, the Paris Olympics champion and current fifth-ranked player in the WTA, won't represent Team China at the United Cup since she's focusing on her recovery and pre-season preparations for the Australian Open, which kicks off the Grand Slam season.
At the 2025 United Cup, Zheng helped China advance to the quarter-finals in the mixed-gender team event. However, she decided to pull out of the 2025 competition to dedicate more time to her pre-season training for the Australian Open.
In 2024, Zheng came in second to Aryna Sabalenka at the Melbourne Park major and secured WTA Tour titles in Tokyo and Palermo. She also clinched the Olympic gold medal in Paris by defeating Croatia's Donna Vekic in straight sets.
Following the grueling 2024 season, Zheng, who played in 68 matches, acknowledged the need for additional relaxation, recovery, and training to gear up for the new season.
Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, Zheng expressed regret for missing the United Cup when she had an amazing time at the event earlier this year. She is, however, eager to return to Australia soon and meet her fans in Melbourne shortly.
China's Group E in the round-robin stage of the United Cup includes defending champions Germany and Brazil. They will face Brazil in Perth on Friday, and with Zheng's absence, Gao Xinyu will lead China's female contingent, while Zhang Zhizhen will headline the men's team.
The Australian Open main draw commences on January 12. Last week, the organizers announced the Australian Open 2025 will host the inaugural AO Pickleball Slam from January 24-26, transforming Court 3 into the heart of one of the world's fastest-growing sports.
Tennis Australia Chief Tennis Officer Tom Larner stated, "This is an excellent addition for the Australian Open as the sport that brings happiness finds a home at the Happy Slam. Pickleball is a sport for all, and its rapid growth globally underscores its ability to unite people of diverse ages and backgrounds. By incorporating pickleball into the AO, we're embracing the future of racquet sports and offering an incredible experience for both players and fans."
Zheng Qinwen expressed her disappointment on Instagram about missing the United Cup, as she had enjoyed her time at the event earlier that year. Despite her absence, China's Zheng will make her return to Australia to meet her fans in Melbourne soon.
With Zheng focusing on her recovery and pre-season preparations for the Australian Open 2025, China Tennis fans will be eager to see her performance at the Grand Slam tournament. The Australian Open schedule for 2025 includes an exciting addition, the AO Pickleball Slam, which will be held on Court 3 from January 24-26.
Zheng's absence from the United Cup leaves a gap in China Tennis's representation at the mixed-gender team event. However, Gao Xinyu and Zhang Zhizhen are set to lead China's female and men's teams respectively in China Tennis's Group E match against Brazil in the round-robin stage.
The Australian Open 2025 is a significant event in the tennis calendar, and Zheng Qinwen will be looking to make a strong impact after her pre-season training and recovery. The tournament kicks off the Grand Slam season and is sure to attract a massive crowd, as well as global tennis news coverage.
The United Cup serves as a prelude to the Grand Slam tournament, and the 2025 edition promises to be intense with the absence of Zheng Qinwen. However, China Tennis will be looking to make its mark in the competition and continue its strong performance on the international stage.
