Paris Olympics champion Zheng Qinwen will not play for Team China at the United Cup as she focuses on her recovery ahead of the 2025 Australian Open.

Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen has announced she will not play at the United Cup mixed-teams tournament starting later this month, opting instead to focus on preparations for the 2025 season’s first Grand Slam.

Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen will kick off her 2025 season at the Grand Slam next month after deciding to skip the United Cup mixed team tournament starting this week, the 22-year-old said.

Zheng Qinwen has made a scheduling change for the start of the 2025 season as the Chinese tennis star won't play at the United Cup leading up to the Australian Open. After making her debut at the event last season, the world No. 5 agreed to represent her nation in Australia once again.

Olympic gold medallist had been expected to play in team event starting in Perth this week, her spot will now be taken by Gao Xinyu.

Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen will skip the United Cup mixed-teams tournament in what she believes will give her the best preparation for the first grand slam of 2025. World No.5 Zheng lost the 2024 Australian Open final to Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-2,