Zheng Qinwen pulls out of Wuhan Open citing fatigue

Zheng Qinwen defeated Mirra Andreeva in the China Open final on Sunday. | Photo Credit: AFP

A day after winning her first WTA title in two years, Zheng Qinwen withdrew from Wuhan Open citing fatigue on Monday.

Mirra Andreeva, who lost in the China Open final 7-5, 6-4 on Sunday to Qinwen, also withdrew from the 1000-level event in Wuhan.

“Since returning from injury ... I have played a demanding stretch of tennis over the past month and a half, competing at the U.S. Open, the Billie Jean King Cup, and the China Open. My body is feeling very fatigued after this intense run of matches,” Zheng said in a statement released by the WTA.

“I look forward to returning to the Wuhan Open next year and stepping onto the court in my best possible form!”

“I’ve been through a very tough year,” Zheng said in English in a trophy presentation that had a touch of karaoke. She sang a pop song to roars of appreciation from fans in the arena.

Andreeva, meanwhile, cited a change in schedule for her absence in Wuhan.

Both players were replaced in the Wuhan draw by “lucky losers” Anna Bondar and Camilo Orosio from qualifying.