"This is just a short break, and I see it as a necessary step toward a better version of myself on court," Olympic gold medal champion said.
By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, July 20, 2025
Photo credit: Zheng Qinwen Instagram
Zheng Qinwen is recovering after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow.
The Olympic gold-medal champion said on social media she's been suffering from elbow pain in recent months.
"Over the past months, I’ve been dealing with persistent pain in my right elbow during training and matches. Despite trying various treatments to manage it, the discomfort never fully went away," Zheng wrote in an Instagram post. "After consulting with elbow specialists and discussing thoroughly with my team, we decided that arthroscopic surgery was the best option to fully resolve the issue.
"Yesterday, I underwent the procedure successfully, and I’m grateful to have it behind me."
It is uncertain when the former Australian Open finalist can return though Zheng said she envisions "just a short break."
"Now begins the recovery journey. Over the next few weeks and months, I’ll be focusing entirely on rehab—doing everything I can to come back stronger and healthier," Zheng said. "This is just a short break, and I see it as a necessary step toward a better version of myself on court."
The world No. 6 reached the quarterfinals or better in six of her last eight tournaments.
A Rome semifinalist, Zheng reached the Roland Garros quarterfinals and Queen's Club semifinals bowing to Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova before she suffered a first-round loss to Katerina Siniakova at Wimbledon.
