Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen, the No. 7 seed at the China Open, retired from her third-round match against Czech player Linda Noskova on Monday due to injury, leaving fans heartbroken and marking the end of local representation in the singles events. 😢
After losing the first set 6-4, Zheng fought back to claim the second set 6-3 with a dominant love game. But trailing 3-0 in the decider, the 22-year-old withdrew, citing concerns about her recent elbow surgery. 🏥 "I wanted to stand till the end," she said post-match, "but my team and I need to prioritize recovery."
Zheng’s exit comes just months after her first career surgery in July, with the China Open being her comeback tournament. Her cautious approach highlights the physical toll of elite sports—a relatable struggle for athletes worldwide. 🌍💪
Noskova advances to face Russia’s Anastasia Potapova, while Chinese fans now turn their hopes to future tournaments. Will Zheng bounce back stronger? Stay tuned. 👀
