Olympic gold medalist and world No. 6 Zheng Qinwen has announced a temporary break from the WTA Tour after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow. The 22-year-old rising tennis star shared the news via Instagram, stating that the decision was driven by “persistent pain” that had been affecting her performance.
Zheng, who was seeded fifth at this year's Wimbledon Championships, suffered a surprising first-round exit. Following the match, she disclosed that the elbow pain had been ongoing and was now being addressed surgically.
Now begins the recovery journey, Zheng wrote in her Instagram post. Over the next few weeks and months, I’ll be focusing entirely on rehab – doing everything I can to come back stronger and healthier. This is just a short break and I see it as a necessary step toward a better version of myself on court.
The surgery was performed last Friday, and Zheng expressed relief, saying she was 'grateful to have it behind me'.
Impressive Season and Olympic Glory
Zheng Qinwen’s 2024 season has been marked by historic milestones. She clinched the women’s singles title at the Paris Olympics, becoming a national hero in China. In addition, she captured her fifth WTA title at the Pan Pacific Open in Japan in October 2024.
Although she has yet to secure a Grand Slam victory, Zheng has made deep runs in several major tournaments. She was a finalist at the 2024 Australian Open, reached the quarter-finals of the US Open twice, and advanced to the last eight of the French Open earlier this year.
Looking Ahead to Flushing Meadows
As the tennis world turns its focus to the US Open, set to begin on August 24 at Flushing Meadows in New York, Zheng's absence will be a significant one. Her recovery timeline remains uncertain, but fans and analysts alike hope for her swift return to peak form.
With a powerful baseline game and relentless determination, Zheng remains one of the brightest young talents in women’s tennis. Her decision to prioritize health underscores her long-term ambitions.