Qinwhen Zheng, the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist and Chinese tennis superstar, has withdrawn from the 2026 Australian Open.
She made the announcement on social media explaining that it was a difficult decision; however, she did not feel as though she was in the Grand Slam form she expected of herself despite what she described as a continued successful recovery from the elbow surgery she had last summer causing her to miss the US Open. The decision was even more heartbreaking because her career best Grand Slam result happened in Melbourne in 2024.
Zheng is a Top 10 player who is a fan-favorite wherever she goes. She ironically describes herself as not friendly with her peers despite the universal fan appeal.
Zheng also was among those who thought the 11-month WTA schedule was not too much though she is feeling and living with the ramifications of it with this long-term injury absence.
She surprised the world and herself with the Olympic gold medal win over Donna Vekic in Paris in 2024. The 23 year old owns five WTA titles and was the finalist at the 2024 Australian Open losing to Aryna Sabalenka and the 2024 WTA Finals losing to Coco Gauff.
Zheng achieved her career-high ranking of World No. 4 in June 2025. In addition to her tennis success, she has many product endorsements, modeling projects, and other off-the-court endeavors that keep her busy as she recovers.
