Source link : https://news-sports.org/2024/12/22/tennis/chinese-tennis-sensation-zheng-qinwen-bows-out-of-united-cup-sets-sights-on-australian-open/
Zheng Qinwen Prioritizes Recovery Before Australian Open
Zheng Withdraws from United Cup for Rest
In a notable move, Chinese tennis star and world No. 5, Zheng Qinwen, announced her withdrawal from the upcoming United Cup scheduled to start on December 22. The 22-year-old athlete has indicated that she requires additional time for recovery but is set to compete in the prestigious Australian Open later this month.
Having had an exceptional year, Zheng’s achievements include clinching three singles titles—most notably the Olympic gold medal in women’s singles at the Paris Games. Her impressive season also saw her secure WTA Tour victories in Tokyo and Palermo while finishing as a runner-up at both the Wuhan Open and WTA Finals. Throughout 2024, she played an astonishing total of 68 matches, earning approximately $5.6 million (around S$7.6 million) in prize money.
Aiming for Stronger Start to Next Season
Reflecting on her demanding previous season, Zheng expressed through Instagram her need for extra weeks dedicated to rest and training ahead of the major tournament taking place between January 12 and 26: “After a long season like last year’s, I need some extra time to recover and prepare adequately.” She conveyed enthusiasm about returning to Australia despite missing out on participating in the United Cup this year due to her previous enjoyable experience there.
As China gears up for its mixed-team campaign against Brazil on December 27 without its star player, world No.175 Gao Xinyu will take over Zheng’s place.
NextGen ATP Finals Highlights Learner Tien’s Triumph
In related news within the tennis realm, Learner Tien made headlines by defeating his close friend Alex Michelsen during semi-finals at the NextGen ATP Finals held on December 21. Although Tien secured victory with a nerve-wracking scoreline of 2-4, 4-2, 1-4, 4-0, he expressed mixed feelings regarding competing against Michelsen: “I can’t quite articulate how I feel right now,” he admitted after overcoming his compatriot ranked No.41 globally.
The young left-handed player is positioned at No.122 worldwide; witnessing Rafael Nadal among attendees added significance to his triumph: “Seeing him there made it even more special,” said Tien who managed an impressive tally of hitting over twenty winners past Michelsen.
As he prepares for his title match against Brazil’s Joao Fonseca—the lowest-ranked finalist at No.145—Tien acknowledges that their prior encounter yielded an unfavorable outcome against Fonseca during group stages; however challenges often reveal unexpected strengths.
Fonseca previously impressed many fans with a standout performance during Jeddah’s tournaments where he enjoyed four consecutive victories including notable wins such as well-fought matches against France’s Arthur Fils ranked at No.20 which marked a pivotal moment in his career progression: “Today felt fantastic; my game was solid,” emphasized Fonseca reflecting post-match while preparing mentally towards what awaits him next—a final face-off looming large.
With hopes high as two rising stars get ready for competition amid anticipation surrounding their skills levels combined we await riveting performances ahead!The post Chinese Tennis Sensation Zheng Qinwen Bows Out of United Cup, Sets Sights on Australian Open first appeared on News Sports.
Author : News-Sports
Publish date : 2024-12-22 11:43:53
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