Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Australian Open, choosing to prioritise her recovery as she works toward regaining full fitness following elbow surgery.
The Chinese athlete, currently ranked world No. 24, has been managing an ongoing issue with her right elbow. After opting for arthroscopic surgery last year, Zheng stepped away from competition for an extended period.
Her planned return at the U.S. Open did not materialise, and although she made a comeback at the China Open in September, she was forced to retire during her third-round match due to recurring pain.
Zheng, who enjoyed a breakthrough run at Melbourne Park in 2024, reaching her maiden Grand Slam final before finishing runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka, described the decision to skip the tournament as an emotional one.
In a statement shared on Instagram, she referred to Melbourne as her “lucky place,” highlighting its significance in her career as the venue where she won her first Grand Slam main-draw match and experienced some of her most memorable moments on tour.
Despite her eagerness to begin the new season in Australia, Zheng emphasised that long-term health remains the priority as she continues her rehabilitation. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season, is set to begin on January 18.
Zheng’s team has not confirmed a revised return date, but the focus remains on a careful and complete recovery to ensure a strong and sustainable comeback later in the season.
