Zheng Qinwen Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Withdraws from US Open 2025

Zheng Qinwen, the current World No. 6 in women's tennis, has announced her withdrawal from the 2025 US Open following an elbow surgery aimed at resolving persistent pain in her right arm. The 22-year-old athlete shared the update via her Instagram account, detailing her struggles with the injury over the past few months. Despite various treatment attempts, Zheng stated that the discomfort had not subsided, prompting the surgical intervention.

In her Instagram post, Zheng expressed optimism about her recovery, referring to the procedure as a 'necessary step toward a better version of myself on court.' She has been dealing with the elbow issue since January 2025, having worn a compression sleeve during competitions. Prior to her withdrawal from the US Open, she had also withdrawn from the Berlin Tennis Open due to an announced neck injury, and just days earlier, she had opted out of the Mubadala Citi DC Open.

Zheng's last competitive appearance was at Wimbledon, where she faced an unexpected first-round exit against Katerina Siniakova. In this season of the Hologic WTA Tour, she holds a 19-11 win-loss record, with notable semifinal finishes at both the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome and the HSBC Championships at the Queen's Club.

As a prominent figure in women's tennis, Zheng’s injury and subsequent surgery raise questions about the physical demands placed on professional athletes and the impact of injuries on their careers. Dr. Maria Thompson, a sports medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic, noted that elbow injuries are increasingly common among tennis players due to the sport's repetitive overhead motions. According to her, "Athletes like Zheng need comprehensive rehabilitation plans to ensure full recovery and prevent future injuries."

Zheng's withdrawal from the US Open has allowed France's Leolia Jeanjean to take her place in the main draw, with Nuria Parrizas Diaz now positioned as the next alternate. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges players face in maintaining health and fitness amid the rigorous demands of the tour.

Looking ahead, Zheng has committed to focusing on rehabilitation in the coming weeks. In her statement, she expressed gratitude for having the surgery behind her and affirmed her dedication to returning to the sport stronger and healthier. The tennis community will be closely watching her recovery process as she aims to make a successful comeback in the following seasons. With significant events like the Australian Open and the French Open on the horizon, her return will be pivotal for her career trajectory and the competitive landscape of women's tennis.