Zheng Qinwen is set for a challenging French Open after falling out of the top 50 in the world rankings for the first time in almost four years.
The drop of 21 places in the latest rankings has Zheng at 53rd in the world. As a result, she will be unseeded for the year’s second Grand Slam.
Potential Early Round Challenges
Zheng, an Olympic gold medallist at Roland Garros during the 2024 Games in Paris, could face formidable opponents early in the tournament. She may have to play against the likes of 2023 runner-up Aryna Sabalenka or four-time winner Iga Swiatek in the first or second round.
Impact of Italian Open Loss
Zheng’s drop in rankings was influenced by her loss to Jelena Ostapenko in the third round of the Italian Open. Still recovering from an elbow injury sustained last year, the Hubei native lost 325 ranking points due to the early exit. This resulted in her slipping from her pre-tournament position of No 32, a ranking that would have kept her inside the seeded bracket.
She reached the semi-finals in Rome last year, earning 390 ranking points.
French Open Preparation
A quarter-finalist in Paris last year, Zheng has reportedly avoided playing in any tournaments in the week leading up to the French Open. She has been training behind closed doors in Paris instead.
Wang Xinyu is now China’s top-ranked player.