China's Olympic champion and top women tennis player Zheng Qinwen has pulled out of the upcoming 2025 Billie Jean King Cup finals in China's Shenzhen, according to an announcement made by organizers on Sep. 9.
Zheng underwent surgery on her right elbow in July and missed the US Open.
2024 Olympic mixed doubles silver medallist Wang Xinyu will lead host China into the quarterfinal clash with defending champion Italy on Sep. 16. World No. 8 Paolini will spearhead the Italians' title defense alongside veteran Sara Errani.
Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk will lead Ukraine on its finals debut against Spain, who will be led by former World No. 2 Paula Badosa and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina will lead Kazakhstan against the United States, which includes World No. 7 Jessica Pegula and World No. 18 Emma Navarro.
Moyuka Uchijima and Ena Shibahara will suit up for Japan, while Anne Keothavong's British squad will feature Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal.
All ties at the Finals will be played as best-of-three matches - two singles matches followed by a doubles match.
"This is an incredible line-up of players and we are so excited to see them giving everything for their countries in Shenzhen." Billie Jean King Cup finals tournament director Conchita Martinez said.