Australian Open runner-up Zheng out of United Cup

By Justin Chadwick

China No.1 Zheng Qinwen has withdrawn from the United Cup to improve her Australian Open chances. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen will skip the United Cup mixed-teams tournament in what she believes will give her the best preparation for the first grand slam of 2025.

World No.5 Zheng lost the 2024 Australian Open final to Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-2, but went on to win gold at the Paris Olympics and finish runner-up at the season-ending WTA Finals.

The 22-year-old was due to represent China at the United Cup, starting December 27, but she announced on Instagram she will skip the event.

Zheng Qinwen and Aryna Sabalenka. — Zheng Qinwen and Aryna Sabalenka pose with their trophies after January's Australian Open final.

"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 wrote.

"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 begin their United Cup campaign against Brazil in Perth on Friday, with Zheng's withdrawal leaving world No.175 Gao Xinyu as China's No.1 ranked woman.

World No.45 Zhizhen Zhang is China's top-ranked male at the event.

The Australian Open begins on January 12.

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