Published: 16:50, December 22, 2024
Zheng to skip United Cup, stay fresh for Australian Open
By Reuters
China’s Zheng Qinwen winds up a return shot to Coco Gauff of the United States during the singles championship match of the WTA Finals at the King Saud University Indoor Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Nov 9, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen will kick off her 2025 season at the Grand Slam next month after deciding to skip the United Cup mixed team tournament starting this week, the 22-year-old said.

Zheng was beaten in the final of the year's first major by Aryna Sabalenka in January but enjoyed a successful campaign, claiming the Paris Olympics gold medal and WTA Tour titles in Tokyo and Palermo.

The Chinese player, who was runner-up at the Wuhan Open and the WTA Finals, competed in 68 matches this season.

ALSO READ: Zheng Qinwen named Fan Favorite Singles player in WTA 2024 Fan Awards

"After the long season that 2024 was for me, I need a few extra weeks of rest, recovery, and good training to get ready for the new season," Zheng said on Instagram.

"I had such a fantastic time at the United Cup in January of this year, and therefore will miss the event greatly.

"Still, I'm so excited to be back in Australia soon and I will see you all in Melbourne in a couple of weeks."

China start their campaign in the Dec 27-Jan 5 United Cup in Perth against Brazil on Friday with Gao Xinyu as their number one women's player.

The Australian Open will begin on Jan 12.