Zheng Qinwen’s historic China Open triumph has come at a physical cost, with the Chinese star withdrawing from her home tournament in Wuhan just a day after lifting the biggest title of her career since her return from injury. The 24-year-old defeated fourth seed Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 in Sunday’s China Open final in Beijing to become the first Chinese woman to win the prestigious WTA 1000 singles title. However, the demanding schedule following her comeback from an elbow injury has forced Zheng to prioritise recovery ahead of the next phase of the women’s tennis season.
In a statement released by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) on Monday, Zheng explained that the intensity of her recent schedule had taken a toll on her body. “Since returning from injury … I have played a demanding stretch of tennis over the past month and a half, competing at the U.S. Open, the Billie Jean King Cup, and the China Open. My body is feeling very fatigued after this intense run of matches,” Zheng said in a statement released by the WTA. She added: “I look forward to returning to the Wuhan Open next year and stepping onto the court in my best possible form!”
The withdrawal is particularly significant for Zheng, who considers Wuhan her hometown and an important part of her tennis journey. The tournament has played a key role in her development, making the decision to miss this year’s edition a difficult one despite her recent success in Beijing. Zheng’s title in Beijing marked her first WTA Tour singles championship since winning in Tokyo in 2024.
It was also her maiden WTA 1000 crown, capping a remarkable comeback after an extended absence caused by a right elbow injury that required surgery. Her route to the China Open title was far from straightforward. Competing as a wildcard, Zheng defeated a series of opponents before overcoming Andreeva in the final. She saved three set points in the opening set before recovering to win 7-5, then secured a decisive late break in the second to complete the victory in one hour and 43 minutes.
The result represented a major milestone in her recovery and helped propel her back towards the upper reaches of the WTA rankings. Having fallen as low as world No. 160 in June, Zheng was projected to rise to No. 23 following her Beijing success, according to the WTA. However, the combination of returning from injury and playing a demanding run of matches has made recovery a priority. Her recent schedule included the US Open, the Billie Jean King Cup and the China Open, leaving little time for a full physical reset.
Andreeva, who lost to Zheng in the Beijing final, has also withdrawn from the Wuhan Open, although her reason differs from that of the Chinese star. The 19-year-old Russian cited a change in schedule after reaching her fifth final of the 2026 season. Her campaign in Beijing further strengthened her standing among the leading players on the WTA Tour, with the French Open champion continuing an impressive season.
The WTA confirmed changes to the Wuhan singles draw following the withdrawals. Zheng’s place will be taken by lucky loser Camila Osorio, while Anna Bondar enters the draw in the place vacated by Osorio. Iva Jovic, meanwhile, receives the bye previously allocated to Andreeva as the next eligible seeded player.
