Zheng Qinwen withdraws from US Open to recover from elbow surgery in wake of shock early Wimbledon exit

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Zheng Qinwen has failed to reach the highs of 2024 in her 2025 season, which has been hampered by an elbow injury. The world No. 6 has been playing with a protective sleeve throughout the year, and she has taken the decision to have surgery on the problem, which means she will be away from the tour for "months" - resulting in her withdrawing from this year's US Open.

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Organisers of the US Open have confirmed Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen has withdrawn from the Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows.

It comes after the world No. 6 had elbow surgery in an attempt to relieve her from the "persistent pain" she has been experiencing.

Zheng enjoyed a stellar 2024, which saw her win gold at the Paris Olympics, as well as reach the final of the Australian Open.

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This year has proved less fruitful for the Chinese player, with a run to the semi-finals at the Italian Open her best performance of 2025.

She arrived at Wimbledon as the women’s fifth seed but was left stunned by a first round exit at the hands of Katerina Siniakova.

Zheng has been wearing a protective sleeve to support her elbow throughout the season so far.

She has now decided the time is right to address her injury problem and will take a "short break" in order to recover from arthroscopic surgery.

Writing on social media, Zheng said: "Now begins the recovery journey.

"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."

Although Zheng gave no timeline for her return when first undergoing surgery, it has now been confirmed that she will not be ready for the US Open - which gets underway at the end of August.

The Grand Slam posted a message of support for Zheng online, writing: "Get well soon, and we look forward to seeing you back on the court!"

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