"I need a few extra weeks of rest and recovery": Zheng Qinwen decides against United Cup start to 2025 season

Zheng Qinwen will not start her season at the 2025 United Cup after all with the leading Chinese star dealing a huge blow to their side ahead of the teams tournament which starts on December 27.

But it is perhaps warranted in her case given that unlike many she played late into the season capturing some of her best form. She managed to qualify for the WTA Finals late on nicking Emma Navarro's spot and then reached the final narrowly losing to Coco Gauff.

But in the end, she was one of the best players in the world for a long period since winning the Olympic gold medal and ascended to new heights both in ranking and stature in the game. As was also evidenced in her spots in the highest paid female athlete in the world by Sportico and Forbes and now with the new pressure comes a need to remain ready to go and she admitted she isn't yet ready due to the late nature of the 2024 season.

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"Hi everyone, just a quick update that I am sadly not going to be competing at the United Cup next week. 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," said Zheng on Instagram.

"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 excited to be back in Australia soon and I will see you all in Melbourne in a couple of weeks."

The player known to fans as 'Queenwen' reached the Australian Open final last year and her words on socials prompt to potentially hardly no warm-up tournaments planned if any as she looks to defend her final placing.

Zheng Qinwen updated fans using social media on Saturday afternoon.