Zheng Qinwen suffered a surprise defeat in her opening Dubai match and later didn’t show up in her post-match presser because she was feeling unwell but released a short statement through the WTA.
After a first-round bye, the No. 7 seed bowed out of this week’s WTA 1000 tournament in the second round after Peyton Stearns handed her a 3-6 6-4 6-4 defeat.
For the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist, it was yet another disappointing loss in 2025 but also her third consecutive.
But now, there may be an explanation why Zheng couldn’t keep up with the same level after winning the first set of her match.
According to the 22-year-old, she dealt with cramps, which made two of her fingers “stick together” – which very negatively impacted her serving.
Then, the 2024 Australian Open runner-up also started experiencing cramps in her calves.
Zheng: Never had it before, it was strange…
“The weather is pretty hot, then plus yesterday was a long day waiting and everything,” the world No. 8 said in a statement that was provided by the WTA.
“First of all, I start to cramp with my fingers. My two fingers stuck together, which is terrible before serving. Then after I start to get cramp both calves, which I never have before. It was a bit strange.”
Zheng Qinwen who lost to Peyton Stearns today 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 couldn’t come to press because she wasn’t feeling well but provided the following update: pic.twitter.com/MV1HQP5i1L
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) February 19, 2025
After delaying the start of her 2025 season because she needed more time to rest after an outstanding last season, Zheng won her Australian Open first-round match versus Anca Todoni.
A month later, that remains the Chinese’s only win in 2025.
Now, the former world No. 5 will presumably get back to the drawing board and try to fix some things before Indian Wells and Miami.
Tennis World USA