Qinwen Zheng Withdraws From Tournaments Due to Elbow Injury

Qinwen Zheng has withdrawn from the Wuhan Open and Ningbo Open due to a reinjured elbow, a significant setback for the Chinese tennis star.

What happened?

The injury occurred just before Zheng retired mid-match against Linda Noskova at the China Open, her second match since Wimbledon. Zheng underwent elbow surgery on July 18 and made a strong effort to return in time for the Asian Swing of the WTA Tour.

Why it matters for Qinwen Zheng

The withdrawal is a blow to Zheng's 2025 season, with her path to the WTA Finals now looking less likely, and her current record standing at 20-12 with zero titles. Zheng's remarks at a post-match press conference in Beijing drew criticism from fans, as she opposed a shorter season, saying "the strongest players survive".

What comes next?

The future of Zheng's 2025 season remains unclear, with the Wuhan Open running from October 6-12 and the Ningbo Open from October 13-19. Zheng released a video announcing her withdrawal from the Masters 1000 event, expressing her regret and thanking fans for their support. The Chinese trailblazer will miss the opportunity to play in front of loyal fans, a painful blow for the 22-year-old. Zheng's team and doctors will reassess her condition, and a new timeline for her return to tennis will be determined. The WTA World No.9 will have to work hard to regain her form and make a strong comeback, with her fans eagerly awaiting her return to the court.