Zheng Qinwen suffers a significant loss as the Chinese team advances to the United Cup quarter-finals and prepares to face the American team.
On December 31st, Beijing time, during the second round of the women's singles group stage at the United Cup, Gao Xinyu defeated Siegemund 2-1, securing a crucial point for the Chinese team. With this victory, the Chinese team has not only secured a spot in the top eight but also achieved their second consecutive year of reaching the quarter-finals. Their upcoming opponents in the quarter-finals will be the American team led by Gauff. This turn of events is particularly impactful for Zheng Qinwen, who withdrew from this year's United Cup, as it may affect her preparations for the upcoming Australian Open.
Initially, Zheng Qinwen was slated to be the number one women's singles player for the Chinese team at the United Cup. However, after her withdrawal, the team did not choose the experienced Zhang Shuai to replace her; instead, the opportunity fell to Gao Xinyu. In her first match, Gao Xinyu played through an injury and managed to reverse a 2-1 score against Brazilian player Maya.
In the second match against the German team, Gao Xinyu demonstrated increasing prowess, winning the first set with a score of 6-1. In the decisive set, she firmly controlled her service game, ultimately defeating her opponent with scores of 6-3 and a total of 2-1, directly propelling the Chinese team into the top eight.
Gao Xinyu's remarkable performance has drawn comparisons from many fans to Wang Xinyu, who previously replaced Zheng Qinwen in the Olympic mixed doubles event. Wang Xinyu partnered with Zhang Zhizhen at the last minute and advanced through various stages, helping the Chinese team secure a silver medal in mixed doubles. Similarly, Gao Xinyu, despite initial doubts, has already helped the Chinese team advance to the quarter-finals.
Following the mixed doubles match where Zhang Shuai and Zhang Zhizhen lost 0-2 to the German players, the Chinese team ended up with a total score of 1-2, losing to the German team but still advancing to the quarter-finals as the second-place team in their group. They will face the American team led by Gauff in the quarter-finals. For Gao Xinyu, this will be a rare high-quality match that can not only enhance her technical skills but also prepare her for the upcoming Australian Open.
Gao Xinyu has already qualified for the Australian Open qualifying rounds. If she can maintain her United Cup form at the Australian Open, her prospects there are promising.
For Zheng Qinwen, withdrawing from the United Cup has resulted in multiple losses. On one hand, the Chinese team has advanced to the quarter-finals without her, which may diminish her influence within the team. It should be noted that the Chinese team's qualification for the United Cup is entirely due to Zheng Qinwen's efforts. However, some fans may only remember her withdrawal and overlook her contributions.
On the other hand, Zheng Qinwen has missed out on three high-quality official matches before the Australian Open. Both Maya and Siegemund are skilled opponents. If Zheng Qinwen could have used these matches to test her training results for the new season, it might have been more beneficial for her Australian Open preparations.
Furthermore, in the quarter-finals, the Chinese team will face the American team, and Zheng Qinwen will miss the opportunity for a pre-Australian Open practice match and confrontation with Gauff, a strong contender for the Australian Open title. Since Zheng Qinwen only has one charity match before the start of the Australian Open, many fans are concerned about whether she will be able to perform at her best in the Australian Open.