Zheng Qinwen Withdraws from 2025 US Open Due to Elbow Injury

Zheng Qinwen, a prominent figure in Chinese tennis, has announced her withdrawal from the 2025 US Open, which is set to run from August 24 to September 7. This marks the first time she will miss a Grand Slam event, as confirmed by the US Open's official account on Monday. The decision comes in light of ongoing issues with her elbow, which have been persistent this season. On the same day, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) substantiated her withdrawal from the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal for the same injury.

Zheng disclosed via social media that she recently underwent successful surgery on her right elbow and is currently in recovery. Prior to this, she had already pulled out of a WTA 500 event in Washington earlier in July. Reports indicate that Zheng has faced an elbow problem throughout the entire 2025 season, initially revealing discomfort after the WTA Finals in 2024. Notwithstanding her injury, she has achieved commendable results this year, reaching the semifinals in both WTA Rome and London, as well as the quarterfinals at the French Open.

Sports commentator Luo Le noted that there were concerns about Zheng's fitness during her match in the Charleston quarterfinals where she took a nearly five-minute medical timeout. Discussions within her team had also hinted at the possibility of her withdrawing during the Australian Open, causing worry about her ongoing elbow problems affecting her serve. With limited ranking events remaining this season, her decision to undergo surgery seems strategically sound.

Encouraging news for her fans is that Zheng remains listed on the official roster for the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Leading the Chinese team alongside players like Wang Xinyu and Zhang Shuai, Zheng's continued inclusion signifies optimism for her return during the China swing if her healing process goes as planned. The team is set to take on defending champions Italy in their first match on September 16, featuring notable opponents like world No.9 Jasmine Paolini. Assuming her recovery stays on track, Zheng is expected to rejoin the competition in mid-September, spearheading China's efforts in this prestigious team event.