MELBOURNE, Australia — Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen has introduced she won’t play on the United Cup mixed-teams match beginning later this month, opting as an alternative to concentrate on preparations for the 2025 season’s first Grand Slam.
In a breakthrough season for the 22-year-old, Zheng made the Australian Open last in January — the place she misplaced to Aryna Sabalenka — earlier than clinching gold on the Paris Olympics and completed runner-up on the WTA Finals to finish the 12 months ranked at No. 5.
She was because of characterize China on the United Cup beginning Dec. 27, however shared her choice to withdraw on social media on Sunday.
“After the lengthy season that 2024 was for me, I would like a number of further weeks of relaxation, restoration, and good coaching to prepare for the brand new season,” she mentioned. “I had such a implausible time on the United Cup in January of this 12 months, and due to this fact will miss the occasion tremendously.
“Nonetheless, I am so excited to be again in Australia quickly and I’ll see you all in Melbourne in a few weeks.”
Zheng’s absence means world No. 175 Gao Xinyu can be China’s top-ranked feminine participant on the United Cup. World No. 45 Zhang Zhizhen will lead the boys’s lineup for China as they face Brazil in Perth, Australia on Friday.
The Australian Open begins on Jan. 12.