"I have not yet reached my best condition that I have set for myself" - Zheng Qinwen announces withdrawal from Australian Open

Zheng Qinwen has had an extended period away from the sport due to an elbow injury, and it is set to impact her career even more with the former Olympic gold medallist being forced to withdraw from the upcoming Australian Open.

The 23-year-old had been making huge strides in the sport, regularly competing with the best and challenging for the greatest honours in the sport. She has reached a career high ranking of world number four earlier this year after an incredible 2024 season.

She began it by reaching the Australian Open final, losing out to Aryna Sabalenka. After clinching Olympic triumph at Roland Garros, her end to the season was very bright. A US Open quarter-final was followed by two great results in the brace of WTA 1000 events in her home country. She first made the semi-final of the China Open before going one better in the Wuhan Open, losing in the final to Sabalenka. She would end the year with another final appearance as she came close to winning the WTA Finals on debut, but was pegged back by Coco Gauff.

She was enjoying a positive 2025, making the French Open quarter-final along with some deep runs in WTA 1000 tournaments. The problems began at Wimbledon where she was defeated in the first round. Shortly after, she decided to have surgery on her right elbow which had been pestering her a lot of the season and giving her a lot of pain. It was a decision which would see her miss the US Open, but hopeful that she could make a return in the Asian swing, getting to playing front of her home fans one more.

This comeback was very short lived in Beijing, where after winning on her return in the second round. However, it would prove to be a premature return to the court after she retired in the next match against Linda Noskova. She has not stepped onto the court since, looking to preserve her elbow ahead of the start to the 2026 season, targeting a return to the Australian Open. However, this seemed to have come a bit too soon for her.

She unveiled the news on Instagram, commenting on her disappointment to miss one of her favourite events. “Hi everyone, after careful evaluation by my team and following medical advice, unfortunately I will be withdrawing from the 2026 Australian Open," the former finalist wrote.

“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."

There was no setback in the injury, just Zheng wanting to hold off until she is in the optimal condition to compete. “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. Currently, I have not yet reached my best condition that I have set for myself. I can’t thank everyone enough for their continued support and am very much looking forward to being 100 per cent back on the court and having a strong 2026 season return.”

The Australian Open will take place from January 18 - February 1. While Zheng will be annoyed that she cannot compete, she can now focus on getting back to her best in the competitions which follow.