Zheng Qinwen makes major announcement ahead of Australian Open 2025

Paris Olympics Gold medallist Zheng Qinwen has made a big announcement ahead of launching her bid for a first major title at next month's Australian Open. In 2024, Qinwen made it as far as the final, losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the decider.

The World No. 5 has announced that she will be pulling out of the mixed-gender United Cup tennis tournament as she needs some more time to rest and recuperate following a long and arduous 2024 season, which saw her clinch the Olympic gold for China in the women's singles. The 22-year-old also made it to the decider of the WTA Finals, losing to Coco Gauff.

"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," she posted. "I had such a fantastic time at the United Cup in January of this year, and therefore will miss the event greatly. Still, I am so excited to be back in Australia soon and I will see you all in Melbourne in a couple of weeks."

Zheng Qinwen on Instagram | @zhengqinwen_tennis

Zheng was a part of the Chinese team that made its debut at the United Cup this year, advancing to the quarterfinals after a win over Czechia in the first round. However, China was ousted in the last eight stage by Poland.

To be held from December 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025 in Perth and Sydney, the United Cup will serve as a key tune-up event for several big names in the tennis world as they get ready for the first Grand Slam Down Under.

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Zheng Qinwen had a massively successful 2024

Zheng Qinwen has landed several major endorsement deals after winning a gold medal at the Olympics - Source: Getty

Qinwen Zheng's massive success on the court also translated to massive deals outside it, with Forbes listing her at No. 4 in "The World's Highest Paid Female Athletes 2024" list, with earnings totalling $20.6 million.

After her success in Paris, several brands, including Audi, milk tea chain Chagee, Lancôme and phone maker Vivo signed endorsements with the Chinese star, as per Forbes. Her success has drawn comparisons with retired Chinese player Li Na, who became one of the highest-paid female athletes worldwide after she won the 2011 French Open.

Meanwhile, Qinwen disclosed that she prefers not to make friends on tour, preferring to maintain a distance from her competitors instead.

"My answer is very clear: I prefer always keep distance with the player. Has a lot of competition with me. I am, like, type of sensitive with the heart," she said on the sidelines of the WTA Finals, explaining her decision.

Zheng Qinwen also won the Fan Favourite Singles Player title at this year's WTA Awards.