World No. 42 Wang Xinyu, currently China’s highest-ranked WTA player, admitted she was disappointed and caught off guard after not being selected for China’s squad for the September 22-27 Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre.
Despite being China’s No. 1 WTA player and with the tournament set to take place in her hometown of Shenzhen, Wang was not included in the five-player squad by team captain Zheng Jie. Wang has been a regular member of China’s Billie Jean King Cup team since making her debut in the competition in 2021, but this time she will miss out despite her desire to represent her country.
She shared her feelings for this decision on social media:
Being unable to take part in the BJK Cup Finals in my hometown was a surprise. Representing my country has always been my priority. I respect this decision and I am disappointed. My intentions remain the same: work hard and move forward.
Wang has played six Billie Jean King Cup singles matches, recording a 2-4 mark. Her last outing came at the Finals last year, where she was defeated by Jasmine Paolini. She has enjoyed more success in doubles, winning both of her matches in the competition to own a 2-0 record.
Paris 2024 Olympic women’s singles gold medallist Zheng Qinwen is regarded as the leader of China’s team, although the former world No. 4 is experiencing a major slump. Her recent struggles were highlighted by a qualifying-round defeat at the WTA tournament in Toronto. The other four players selected for the squad are Wang Xiyu, Zhang Shuai, Guo Hanyu and Jiang Xinyu. (via Tennis World USA)
