Olympic Champion Zheng Qinwen Withdraws from United Cup to Prepare for 2025 Australian Open
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Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen has decided to skip the upcoming United Cup mixed-teams tournament to focus on preparations for the 2025 Australian Open. Zheng had a remarkable 2024 season, reaching the Australian Open final in January, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka, and later winning gold at the Paris Olympics. She also finished runner-up at the WTA Finals, ending the year ranked No. 5.Zheng announced her decision to withdraw from the United Cup on social media, stating that after a long and intense season in 2024, she needed extra time for rest, recovery, and training to be ready for the new season. She expressed her excitement about returning to Australia and competing in the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.Her absence from the United Cup means that world No. 175 Gao Xinyu will be China's top-ranked female player at the event, while world No. 45 Zhang Zhizhen will lead the men's lineup for China.