Zheng Qinwen discloses unhealed mystery injury after shocking Australian Open 2R exit

Chinese WTA star Zheng Qinwen has revealed that after her November 2024 WTA Finals defeat, she battled a mysterious injury. Despite moving past tough rivals, including Jasmine Paolini and Barbora Krejcikova, she had to face sheer disappointment with a defeat against the champion Coco Gauff. The campaign had a hefty impact on her body, which she decided not to discuss openly.

Zheng didn't participate in any of the pre-Australian Open events. While other players, including Aryna Sabalenka, kicked off their seasons by participating at the Brisbane International, the 22-year-old remained reluctant to get herself AO-ready by competing in such events.

However, a strategic mindset wasn't the only factor behind Zheng's scheduling. In a press conference after her defeat against Laura Siegemund of Germany, she said:

"No for me, there's no chance to play a tournament before Australia open this year because the time was so rushed and I got some more issues after the WTA Finals and I discussed with my team if we have to come to Australian Open to play or no, and then I'm the one who's forcing my team to say no. "

"I got here I'm trying to play as a Slam so that's the tricky situation. This year was no chance for me to play any tournament before Australian Open because there's some issues in my body that didn't solve yet," Zheng Qinwen added.

Zheng's dream of starting the year with a dominant entry was turned down in the second round of the 2025 Australian Open itself. Despite moving past Anca Todoni with a swift win, she appeared to be struggling against Seigemund, finally giving it up with a straight-sets defeat.

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Laura Seigemund credits having nothing to lose as the reason behind victory over Zheng Qinwen

Zheng Qinwen at the 2025 Australian Open - Day 4 - Source: Getty

Despite her well-known grip on hard courts, Zheng Qinwen was unexpectedly seen struggling against Laura Seigemund at Melbourne Park. While fans were curious about what fueled this dominance in the German WTA star, she mentioned how fearing nothing made her shine through in an on-court interview post-win:

"I knew I just had to play more than my best tennis – you have nothing to lose so I told myself to swing free. She's an amazing player, she's one of the best players now. But I know I can play and I wanted to make it a tough fight."

With this win, Seigemund has made it to the third round at the Australian Open. Her opponent is yet to be decided.