Wuhan Open 2026: Tennis Star Zheng Qinwen Withdraws After China Open Title Win, Mirra Andreeva Cites Schedule Change

Zheng Qinwen has pulled out of the Wuhan Open after suffering a shoulder injury, just a day after celebrating a memorable triumph at the China Open in Beijing. The Chinese star defeated Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 in Sunday’s final to claim her first WTA title in two years and become the first Chinese player to lift the China Open trophy.

Meanwhile, Andreeva has also withdrawn from the WTA 1000 tournament in Wuhan following her defeat in the Beijing final. The Russian youngster was unable to overcome Zheng in a closely contested match, with the Chinese player securing both sets to seal the title. The withdrawals mean neither finalist from the China Open will feature at this week’s Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, with Zheng’s shoulder issue forcing her to prioritise her recovery after a significant achievement on home soil.

Zheng Qinwen has decided to skip the Wuhan Open as she continues to manage her workload following a demanding return to the WTA Tour. The Chinese star explained that her busy schedule over the past six weeks, which included the US Open, the Billie Jean King Cup and the China Open, had taken a toll on her body. “My body is feeling very fatigued after this intense run of matches,” Zheng said in a statement released by the WTA. She also expressed disappointment at missing a tournament that holds special significance in her career, adding, “Wuhan is where my tennis dream began.”

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The decision comes just a day after Zheng produced a landmark performance in Beijing, defeating Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 in the China Open final. The victory made her the first Chinese player to win the prestigious tournament and secured her maiden WTA 1000 title. It was also her first singles championship since triumphing in Tokyo in 2024. During the trophy ceremony, Zheng opened up about the difficult period she had endured and even sang for the crowd, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the home fans. “I’ve been through a very tough year,” she said, reflecting on her journey back to winning form.

Zheng’s recent success is particularly significant given the challenges she has faced since undergoing elbow surgery last year. The Olympic gold medallist missed almost eight months of action and saw her ranking fall to No. 160 earlier this season. However, her run to the US Open quarter-finals, followed by her title-winning campaign in Beijing, has helped revive her season. She is projected to return to around No. 23 in the world rankings, having won 13 of her past 14 tour-level matches since losing in Toronto qualifying. Despite that progress, she will miss the opportunity to earn further ranking points in Wuhan, where the tournament runs from October 12 to 18.

Andreeva, who finished runner-up to Zheng in Beijing, has also withdrawn from the Wuhan Open, citing a change in her schedule. The Russian teenager, now ranked as high as No. 3 in the world, is expected to focus on preparing for her first singles appearance at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells next month. Her withdrawal means she will not get an immediate opportunity to respond to the defeat in Beijing. Zheng and Andreeva have both been replaced in the tournament draw, with lucky losers Anna Bondar and Camila Osorio taking their places.

The changes have also affected the opening-round arrangements. Iva Jovic, the next eligible seeded player to receive a bye, has moved into Andreeva’s position in the draw and advances directly to the second round. Bondar will face Mia Pohankova, while Osorio is scheduled to take on Ann Li. The pair join a growing list of notable absentees from this year’s Wuhan Open, which also includes world No. 1 Elena Rybakina, defending champion Coco Gauff and reigning Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. For Zheng, however, the priority will be recovering fully and building on the momentum of her breakthrough Beijing triumph before returning to competition.