Qinwen Zheng has delayed the start of her 2025 season after deciding to withdraw from the United Cup.
The ATP and WTA seasons will begin at the United Cup on December 27th. It is a unique event that allows players to represent their countries while also bringing top players from the men's and women's games together.
Each tie between countries includes a women's singles, men's singles, and mixed doubles match. Although the United Cup has only existed for two previous iterations, many players have spoken positively about it and its team environment.
Coco Gauff is among those who will feature at the tournament held in Perth and Sydney. The 20-year-old wants to bring the trophy home to the United States, which won the first edition of the event at the start of the 2023 season.
Germany won last year's United Cup in thrilling fashion. The final against Iga Swiatek's Team Poland went to the wire before Alexander Zverev and Laura Siegemund overcame Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz in the deciding doubles contest.
Zheng is China's best WTA player by a distance. The 22-year-old enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough 2024 season, including winning Olympic gold in the women's singles and finishing as the runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open.
She also came close to securing the WTA Finals title. Zheng served for the title in the deciding set against Gauff, but the American, this year's highest-paid female athlete, fought back from the brink to win the season-ending tournament for the first time.
Although a heartbreaking way to end the season, Zheng has much to be optimistic about ahead of the 2025 season. However, she will not feature at the United Cup after changing her mind about playing at the team event.
In a statement released on social media, Zheng confirmed that an injury was not the reason for her decision. The 22-year-old feels she needs extra weeks to rest, recover, and train after a grueling 2024 season.
"Hi everyone, just a quick update that I am sadly not going to be competing at the United Cup next week. After the long season that 2024 was for me, I need a few extra weeks of rest, recovery, and good rest to get ready for the new season."
"I had such a fantastic time at the United Cup in January of this year, and therefore will miss the event greatly. Still, I am excited to be back in Australia soon and I will see you all in Melbourne in a couple of weeks."
Zheng's decision is entirely understandable. She had never played a season as long as 2024 before, which undoubtedly took a lot out of her mentally and physically. Returning too soon would be a mistake if the 22-year-old is not ready.
The Olympic gold medalist's preparation for the Australian Open might need to be perfect to succeed because her coach, Pere Riba, will not be with her. He needs to have hip surgery, making it impossible for him to travel with Zheng.