Commentary: Zheng Qinwen’s Wise Retreat Is a Win for Chinese Sports

The China Open, held during China’s National Day holiday, has evolved into a critical barometer for both professional tennis and the sports consumer market in China. In 2023, the tournament’s box office revenue reached 88 million yuan ($12.3 million), marking a 10% increase over the previous year and setting records for media coverage and market scale. The event kicks off the lucrative "China Season" on the world tour, offering fans a unique opportunity to see Chinese players compete at home and reflecting the growing strength and enthusiasm of the nation’s sports sector. [para. 1]

Zheng Qinwen, at 23, has become the leading figure of Chinese tennis and is frequently referred to as the reigning "Queen Wen." As a Grand Slam finalist and Olympic champion in the post-Li Na era, her participation strongly influences domestic tournaments, driving attendance rates above 95% when she is in the draw. Her status underscores her importance in the local tennis scene and the rising expectations for domestic athletes. [para. 2]

Upon her return to the China Open after an 88-day injury hiatus—which caused her to miss the U.S. Open—Zheng was warmly received by her fans. She won her initial match after a first-round bye, but her campaign ended abruptly in the third round when an aggravated right elbow forced her to withdraw mid-match, eliciting a disappointed but supportive reaction from the crowd. [para. 3][para. 4]

Her subsequent withdrawal from the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan and the WTA 500 event in Ningbo effectively ended her 2025 China Season early, sparking speculation about the severity of her injury and drawing parallels to previous Chinese athletic setbacks, such as hurdler Liu Xiang. [para. 5]

The underlying cause of Zheng’s early withdrawal was a premature return to competitive play. She had undergone arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow following Wimbledon, and by the time of the China Open, her recovery was estimated at only 70-80%. Zheng acknowledged that she was still experiencing pain and had diminished serving power, raising concerns about aggravating her injury. [para. 6]

There was internal disagreement within her extensively international team, who had recommended a more cautious approach. “Team Zheng” employs a data-driven, scientific evaluation strategy for assessing her readiness and tailoring her schedule, but also recognizes Zheng's strong personal desire to meet external and internal expectations. [para. 7]

The pressure on Zheng was immense: a need to satisfy the home crowd, defend her 1,940 ranking points from the previous year, secure sponsorship commitments, and cover her team’s estimated 7.5 million yuan annual expenses. These factors contributed to the decision to return perhaps earlier than advice warranted. [para. 8]

However, her ultimate choice to withdraw was a collective, considered decision in line with a broader shift in Chinese sports philosophy. Modern sports in China are moving away from a sole focus on medals and championships toward an emphasis on sustainable, professional athlete development. The experience of stars like Djokovic, Nadal, Alcaraz, and Świątek, who have ended seasons early due to injury, reinforces the wisdom of prioritizing long-term health. [para. 9]

This situation highlights a broader issue in professional sports: improving how injuries are managed and schedules designed, with the emphasis on athlete longevity rather than short-term gains that could risk careers, echoing Liu Xiang’s experience. [para. 10]

Given her youth and potential, Zheng is advised to focus on full recovery, possibly skipping upcoming events in Tokyo and the National Games, aiming for a strong 2026 season. Her perspective, as expressed in a documentary, emphasizes that setbacks are a part of growth—and sometimes stepping back is vital for future success. [para. 11][para. 12]

The article concludes by noting the author’s viewpoint, which does not necessarily represent those of Caixin. [para. 13][para. 14]