Zheng Qinwen’s unexpected withdrawal sparks claims of missed golden opportunities, while Zhang Zhizhen clinches the Brisbane title

A much-awaited headline match was unfortunately cut short because of Zheng Qinwen’s unexpected withdrawal, causing widespread regret!

Despite Zheng Qinwen’s less-than-ideal draw in Dubai, many remained confident that, based on her complete three-match performance in Doha, if she gave it her all, winning the championship was uncertain but at least pulling off two “impossible” victories was within reach.

Especially after her first-round opponent was confirmed as the American player Stearns, expectations for Zheng’s Dubai debut soared, with many emphasizing that “Xiao Zheng’s motivation is likely even stronger now.”

Last year in Dubai, Zheng faced Stearns for the first time; despite winning the first set, she was ultimately overturned by the American player—a moment that still lingers vividly in everyone’s memory.

Having suffered such a blow last year, it was no surprise that when fate once again paired Zheng Qinwen with Stearns this year, the Chinese top player would be fully committed to avenging her previous defeat.

Another reason for the high interest in the Zheng vs. Stearns match is that Zheng always seems to elevate her effort in games that attract special attention.

For example, at the 2024 Berlin 500 tournament against Japanese star Naomi Osaka, a similar attitude prevailed before the match. Zheng stated in an interview that if fans wanted to watch, she would give her all. She then dominated the four-time Grand Slam champion by delivering 23 aces and sweeping her off the court.

Currently, public anticipation for Zheng Qinwen’s clash with Stearns is no less intense than it was for the Berlin match against Osaka. Many are eager to see if Zheng will once again win decisively.

However, just hours before the match was set to begin, news broke that Zheng Qinwen had unexpectedly withdrawn.

When the WTA officially announced this withdrawal, they explained Zheng’s reason as “illness,” not injury, which brought some relief to many.

Zheng’s comeback in Doha, showing promising form, was already a significant achievement. Had she been injured after only three matches, her future path would have been much tougher. Illness, however, is different—proper treatment and rest should lead to a swift recovery.

After confirming Zheng Qinwen’s withdrawal from the Dubai 1000 event due to illness, knowledgeable fans and netizens quickly uncovered the specific cause: a common cold.

Knowing the reason for the illness reassured those concerned about Zheng. Some even remarked that with the Chinese Lunar New Year approaching, it’s a good time to rest and recover while celebrating, which isn’t a bad situation.

Nonetheless, the disappointment over Zheng’s withdrawal was inevitable. The main reason was the belief that she missed the perfect chance to avenge her loss to Stearns.

Although the American player leads their head-to-head record and seems to have a psychological edge, as a qualifier, Zheng’s strong form in Doha suggested that if she fought as hard as she did against Kenin, Parks, and Rybakina, avenging last year’s early exit in Dubai should not have been difficult. Now, with her withdrawal, expectations are dashed and this opportunity has slipped away, leaving fans to wait for another day.

Of course, some feel Zheng’s illness came at the worst possible time. Dubai was a prime chance to earn points and improve her ranking. With this withdrawal, she gains nothing and now faces added pressure to defend points in upcoming tournaments, prompting many to sigh, “What a pity.”

While Zheng Qinwen’s illness-induced withdrawal is deeply regretted, Zhang Zhizhen brings good news!

Recently, after winning two consecutive matches in the Davis Cup Group I playoffs to help China advance to the main draw, making new history for Chinese tennis, many said Zhang’s fighting spirit seems revived, and they eagerly await his upcoming matches.

This week, competing in the ATP Brisbane CH75 Challenger, Zhang Zhizhen continued his strong form from the Davis Cup, advancing all the way to the final.

In the final against Bolt, Zhang swept the fourth seed with a 6-2, 6-4 victory, capturing the Challenger title and gifting himself a joyful present ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

This Challenger title marks Zhang Zhizhen’s first tournament win in four years; the last time the former Chinese No. 1 claimed a Challenger crown was in 2022.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moonlit Starry Sky)