Zheng Qinwen’s Tennis Career Paused by Elbow Surgery

Jul 19, 2025, 12:10 PM ET

Zheng Qinwen Undergoes Elbow Surgery, Faces recovery Period

Tenth-ranked Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow. This procedure comes after months of persistent pain that impacted her training and matches.

The 22-year-old athlete confirmed the surgery was successful. She described the ongoing discomfort in her elbow as something she had been managing for an extended period.

Despite various treatment attempts,the pain persisted. After consulting with specialists and her team, Zheng opted for surgery to address the issue comprehensively.

She shared her gratitude for the successful procedure on social media.Zheng indicated that her recovery will span “the next few weeks and months.”

This news comes as Zheng prepares for the upcoming US Open. She has reached the quarterfinals at this grand Slam event in each of the past two years.

For athletes, persistent pain can be a significant hurdle. understanding when to seek medical intervention, like surgery, is crucial for long-term career health.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent minor issues from becoming chronic. Athletes often balance the desire to compete with the need for physical recovery.

The tennis season is demanding, with numerous tournaments throughout the year. Managing physical well-being is as significant as honing technical skills.

We wish Zheng Qinwen a smooth and speedy recovery. Her return to the court will be eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide.

What potential impact will missing major tournaments like the US Open and Wimbledon have on Zheng Qinwen’s ranking and momentum?

The Injury and Surgical Intervention

Rising chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen has announced a temporary halt to her promising career due to a right elbow injury requiring surgery. The announcement, made on July 18, 2025, comes as a blow to fans eagerly anticipating her continued ascent in the WTA rankings. Details surrounding the specific nature of the elbow injury haven’t been fully disclosed, but its understood to be a persistent issue impacting her ability to compete at her peak.

The surgery, performed earlier this week, aims to address the underlying problem and facilitate a full recovery. Recovery timelines for elbow surgeries in professional tennis players vary, but typically range from several months to over a year, depending on the severity and the individual’s response to rehabilitation. This means fans shouldn’t expect to see Zheng Qinwen back on the court for the remainder of the 2025 season, and possibly not until well into 2026.The procedure was deemed necessary after consulting with leading sports medicine specialists.

Impact on Zheng Qinwen’s 2025 Season & Career Trajectory

This injury significantly disrupts Zheng Qinwen’s 2025 season. Prior to the announcement, she was steadily climbing the WTA rankings, showcasing her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style.Her performances at the australian Open and French Open earlier this year highlighted her potential as a future grand slam contender.

WTA Ranking Implications: The forced absence will undoubtedly impact her ranking.Without tournament points earned throughout the year, she risks dropping in the standings. Maintaining her current level of play upon return will be crucial.

Grand Slam Prospects: Missing the US Open and potentially Wimbledon in 2026 is a significant setback. These tournaments represent key opportunities to accumulate ranking points and gain valuable experience.

Olympic Games: The timing also casts a shadow over her participation in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles,a major goal for many professional tennis players.

Elbow Injuries in Tennis: A Common Challenge

elbow injuries, especially lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), are unluckily common among professional tennis players. The repetitive overhead motions and forceful impacts involved in serving and groundstrokes place significant stress on the elbow joint.

Hear’s a breakdown of factors contributing to these injuries:

1. Technique: Incorrect serving or groundstroke technique can exacerbate stress on the elbow.
2. Equipment: Using a racquet with an inappropriate grip size or string tension can contribute to injury risk.
3. Training Load: overuse and insufficient recovery time can lead to inflammation and pain.
4. Muscle imbalance: Weakness in the forearm and shoulder muscles can increase the load on the elbow.

Other prominent players who have battled elbow injuries include Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, demonstrating the prevalence of this issue at the highest levels of the sport. Successful recovery often requires a combination of rest, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgical intervention.

Rehabilitation and recovery Process

Zheng Qinwen’s recovery will be a meticulous process,guided by a team of medical professionals.the rehabilitation program will likely involve several phases:

Phase 1 (Post-Surgery – 6-8 weeks): Focuses on reducing pain and swelling,protecting the surgical site,and regaining basic range of motion. Immobilization with a brace is common during this phase.

Phase 2 (8-12 weeks): Gradual strengthening exercises for the forearm, wrist, and shoulder muscles. Light cardiovascular work to maintain overall fitness.

Phase 3 (12+ weeks): Progressive return to tennis-specific drills, starting with gentle hitting and gradually increasing intensity. Focus on refining technique to minimize stress on the elbow.

* Phase 4 (Return to Competition): Controlled return to competitive play, starting with lower-level tournaments before rejoining the WTA Tour.