Wang Qiang of China celebrates a point during the Wimbledon in London, UK, June 29, 2022. /CFP
China's tennis player Wang Qiang has withdrawn from the upcoming Australian Open, citing shoulder injuries, according to organizers.
The 30-year-old had previously participated at the first Grand Slam event in the season for eight consecutive years, with her best result in 2020 when she upset Serena Williams to reach the last 16.
Screenshot from the Twitter account of Australian Open
Meanwhile, other seven Chinese female players, including Zhang Shuai and Zheng Qinwen, are expected to compete in the event.
Teenager sensation Zheng, who was just named as WTA's Newcomer of the Year of 2022 earlier this month, is already in Australia in preparation for two WTA 500 warm-up events in Adelaide ahead of the Australian Open.
Zheng Qinwen of China returns her shot against Garbine Muguruza of Spain during the San Diego Open in San Diego, U.S., October 11, 2022. /CFP
On the men's side, Chinese player Wu Yibing and Shang Juncheng will start their journey through qualifiers, while Zhang Zhizhen, the first Chinese male player to reach the top 100, is one step away to enter the main draw, as he is first in line of alternates.
The Australian Open will kick off on January 16 and last for two weeks in Melbourne.