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.

“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.

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.”