Qinwen Zheng pulls out of United Cup, eyes Australian Open

China’s Qinwen Zheng has withdrawn from the United Cup, with the world No.5 citing the need for additional rest over the off season.

“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,” she wrote on social media this week.

“I had such a fantastic time at the United Cup in January of this year, and therefore will miss the event greatly.

“Still, I’m so excited to be back in Australia soon and I will see you all in Melbourne in a couple of weeks.”

Zheng reached her maiden Grand Slam final at the Australian Open earlier in 2024, and went on to win gold at the Paris Olympic Games as well.

Heading into the 2025 edition, she is on the fifth line of betting (+1600) to win the title across most tennis betting sites.

China, meanwhile, slip to the 12th line of betting (+3300) at Bovada ahead of the United Cup beginning on Friday, December 27.

The USA (+250) and Poland (+350) have the shortest tennis betting odds to win the event.

Polish No.1 Iga Swiatek shared on Thursday how motivated Team Poland are this year after squandering championship point at the most recent edition of the United Cup.

“Last year, we came very close,” she said.

“That match brings a lot of emotions, but I still remember it positively, even having lost the last point.

“It was a lot of fun.

“We had match points in Hubie’s (Hubert Hurkacz) match.

“So, this year we definitely want another chance and, hopefully, advance to the later stages of the tournament to compete for victory because I believe the Polish team is incredible.”

Swiatek herself holds the second line of betting ahead of the Australian Open, paying +400 to win behind Aryna Sabalenka (+225).

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