Men power back

Similarly, China's surging men's players, following a breakout season in 2024, also had to learn the hard way that growing from pain is part of the elite game.

China's highest-ever ranked man Zhang Zhizhen, who was at world No 31 in July 2024, has fallen back to 415th this month, after a nagging right shoulder injury, which did not require surgery but took long break to heal from, had him grounded for six months since Indian Wells in March.

The 31-year-old conceded three losses from four matches in Hangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai after returning to action during the China Swing, realizing that only a solid offseason training program could help him regain his intensity and pace.

"Maybe I was in too much of a rush to play (in Hangzhou). I wouldn't have returned if it were not for the home events," Zhang said at his winter camp this month in Dongguan, Guangdong province.

"Now I am picking up the intensity in training and getting into my rhythm again. My team has faith in me, and I am confident as well (for a better season in 2026)."