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The 23-year-old Chinese star, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow last year, revealed that she continues to work her way back to full fitness and will mis the AO.
Zheng Qinwen. (x)
Chinese tennis ace and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen announced her withdrawal from the first Grand Slam event of the year, the Australian Open, as the 23-year-old continues to work her way back to full fitness after undergoing elbow surgery.
The world number 24, who reached the final of the event in Melbourne in 2024, took a break from the sport last year after opting to undergo arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow. She missed the U.S. Open before returning to action at the China Open in September, where she was forced to retire from her third-round match due to pain in her elbow.
“Hi everyone, After careful evaluation by my team and following medical advice, unfortunately I will be withdrawing from the 2026 Australian Open,” he Chinese star said on social media platform Instagram.
“Making this decision has been incredibly difficult for me. Melbourne is my “lucky place,” where I won my first Grand Slam main draw match and where I had my best experience. I have a special connection to this place, and I was very eager to start my new season at the Melbourne Park,” Qinwen added.
“Although my recovery is progressing well and my offseason has gone smoothly, to play a grand slam requires players to maintain an extreme competitive condition,” the post continued.
“Currently, I have not yet reached my best condition that I have set for myself,” she revealed.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for their continued support and am very much looking forward to being 100% back on the court and having a strong 2026 season return Australian Open,” she added.
January 08, 2026, 3:59 PM IST
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