Chinese tennis star Qinwen Zheng has announced she underwent arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow and will be stepping away from the sport temporarily to focus on recovery and rehabilitation.
The 22-year-old shared the news in a heartfelt statement on social media, explaining that the procedure was necessary after months of battling persistent pain.
“I want to share a quick update with you all,” Qinwen Zheng began. “Over the past months, I’ve been dealing with persistent pain in my right elbow during training and matches. Despite trying various treatments to manage it, the discomfort never fully went away.”
Zheng, one of the brightest rising talents in women’s tennis, has enjoyed a steady climb up the WTA rankings and reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Her competitive gameplay made her a fan favorite and a key player in China’s next generation of tennis stars. However, the ongoing elbow pain has affected her performance and training in recent months.
“After consulting with elbow specialists and discussing thoroughly with my team, we decided that arthroscopic surgery was the best option to fully resolve the issue,” she explained.
The procedure, which took place this week, was reportedly successful. Arthroscopic elbow surgery is a minimally invasive method commonly used to treat chronic joint pain or damage. Though recovery times can vary, most athletes require weeks to months before returning to full competition.
“Yesterday, I underwent the procedure successfully, and I’m grateful to have it behind me. Now begins the recovery journey. Over the next few weeks and months, I’ll be focusing entirely on rehab—doing everything I can to come back stronger and healthier,” Qinwen Zheng wrote.
She made it clear this is only a brief pause in her young career, viewing it as an investment in her long-term health and success. “This is just a short break, and I see it as a necessary step toward a better version of myself on court.”
Her message was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow players across the tennis community. Many praised her courage in prioritizing her health and taking the necessary steps toward a full recovery.
While it’s unclear exactly when Zheng will return to the tour, tennis fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting her return.