World No. 24 Qinwen Zheng withdrew from the upcoming Australian Open on Thursday as she works her way back following right elbow surgery.

“After careful evaluation by my team and following medical advice, unfortunately I will be withdrawing from the 2026 Australian Open,” Zheng wrote on Instagram.

“Making this decision has been incredibly difficult for me. Melbourne is my ‘lucky place,’ where I won my first Grand Slam main draw match and where I had my best experience. I have a special connection to this place, and I was very eager to start my new season at the Melbourne Park.”

A finalist at the 2024 Australian Open and 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist, Zheng underwent surgery to address “persistent pain” and withdrew from the U.S. Open last summer.

Zheng, of China, then attempted to return in Beijing in September only to retire during her third-round match against Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic.

“Although my recovery is progressing well and my offseason has gone smoothly, to play a Grand Slam requires players to maintain an extreme competitive condition,” Zheng said. “Currently, I have not yet reached my best condition that I have set for myself.”

Zheng, 23, has won five singles titles, most recently at the Pan Pacific Open in Japan in October 2024. She still is looking for her first Grand Slam championship.

The Australian Open main draw is slated to begin Jan. 18.

–Field Level Media