Olympic Champion Zheng Skips United Cup To Focus On Australian Open

Posted by author December 23, 2024 Tennis

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PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 1: Qinwen Zheng of People’s Republic of China in action during the Women’s … [+] Singles Semi-final match between Iga Swiatek of Team Poland and Qinwen Zheng of People’s Republic of China on day six of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Roland Garros on August 1, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tom Weller/VOIGT/GettyImages)

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Paris Olympics champion Zheng Qinwen will not play for Team China at the United Cup as she focuses on her recovery ahead of the new season, starting with the Australian Open.

Zheng, currently fifth in the WTA rankings, helped China to the quarter-finals at the 2024 edition of the United Cup, a mixed-gender team event.

However, the 22-year-old said that she would withdraw from the 2025 competition to further prioritize her pre-season preparations ahead of the upcoming Australian Open, the opening Grand Slam of the year.

Zheng finished runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka at the Melbourne Park major in 2024 and won WTA Tour titles in Tokyo and Palermo. She bagged the Olympic gold medal in Paris after beating Croatia’s Donna Vekic in straight sets.

Gold medallist, China’s Zheng Qinwen poses with her medal on the podium at the presentation ceremony … [+] for the women’s singles tennis event on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Stadium during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in Paris on August 3, 2024. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

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“After the long season that 2024 was for me, I need a few extra weeks of rest, recovery and good training to get ready for the new season,” Zheng, who played 68 matches this season, said on Instagram.

“I had such a fantastic time at the United Cup in January of this year and therefore will miss the event greatly.

“Still, I’m so excited to be back in Australia soon and I will see you all in Melbourne in a couple of weeks,” added Zheng, who was runner-up at the Wuhan Open and the WTA Finals.

Team China was drawn into round-robin Group E alongside defending champions Germany and Brazil. They will open their campaign in Perth against Brazil on Friday.

Zheng’s absence means world No. 175 Gao Xinyu will be China’s top-ranked female player at the United Cup, while world No. 45 Zhang Zhizhen will lead the men’s lineup.

The Australian Open main draw begins on January 12.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 28: A general view of Rod Laver Arena during the Men’s Singles Final … [+] match between Jannik Sinner of Italy and Daniil Medvedev during the 2024 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

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Last week, the organizers said the Australian Open 2025 will host the inaugural AO Pickleball Slam from January 24-26, transforming Court 3 into the centre of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

“This is a great addition for the Australian Open, the sport that makes you happier finding a home at the Happy Slam,” said Tennis Australia Chief Tennis Officer Tom Larner.

“Pickleball is a sport for everyone, and its rapid growth globally highlights its unique ability to connect people of all ages and backgrounds. By bringing pickleball to the AO, we’re embracing the future of racquet sports and providing an incredible experience for players and fans alike.”