Chinese tennis star and Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen has officially withdrawn from the upcoming U.S. Open, citing recovery from arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow. The announcement was made on Monday, just two days after the sixth-ranked player revealed details of her medical condition via social media.
Persistent Injury Forces Withdrawal
Zheng, 22, shared that she had been battling persistent elbow pain for months, which affected her performance during training and competitive play. Despite exploring multiple treatment options, she said the discomfort remained unresolved, ultimately necessitating surgical intervention.
“Over the past months, I’ve been dealing with persistent pain in my right elbow during training and matches,” she posted on Saturday. “Despite trying various treatments to manage it, the discomfort never fully went away.”
Out of the U.S. Open and Recovery Underway
With the U.S. Open set to begin on August 24, Zheng's exit from the tournament was not unexpected. She stated that her recovery would likely take several months, effectively ruling her out of major competition for the rest of the season.
Zheng’s withdrawal comes after a first-round loss at Wimbledon last month, her most recent appearance on the tour.
Replacement Named
In Zheng’s absence, French player Leolia Jeanjean has been added to the U.S. Open main draw.
Zheng’s fans and supporters will now look forward to her eventual return in 2025, as she focuses on rehabilitation and regaining full fitness.