The tennis world is watching a domino effect unfold. One by one, the biggest names in women’s tennis are stepping away from what should be the sport’s most prestigious team event. Emma Raducanu started the exodus. Now Madison Keys, Zheng Qinwen, and Naomi Osaka have all pulled out of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen, China, leaving fans wondering if the tournament can recover from losing so much star power.
Why Are Madison Keys, Zheng Qinwen, and Naomi Osaka Skipping the Billie Jean King Cup?
As the buzz from the US Open fades, attention should be turning to the Billie Jean King Cup, widely regarded as the World Cup of women’s tennis. The prestigious event gets underway on September 16, as several nations aim to dethrone defending champion Italy.
However, just as excitement began building, the withdrawals started piling up. British No. 1 Raducanu announced her exit first, choosing to prioritize her WTA schedule instead. Then came the bigger blows.
Team China will compete without their top star and Olympic gold medalist, Zheng. Following elbow surgery, she hasn’t played since the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, which was somewhat expected given her recovery timeline.
Journalist Jose Morgado captured the frustration perfectly on X:
“Osaka, Keys and Zheng (this one expected) all out of the BJK Cup Finals. Initial line ups were great. Not as much anymore,” he wrote.
Osaka, Keys and Zheng (this one expected) all out of the BJK Cup Finals.
Initial line ups were great. Not as much anymore.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 9, 2025
Keys’ withdrawal adds another prominent absence for the United States team. The reigning Australian Open champion last competed at Flushing Meadows, where she suffered a shocking first-round defeat to Renata Zarazúa, ending her tournament far earlier than anyone expected.
Amanda Anisimova has done it. After defeating Naomi Osaka to reach the US Open final, she dropped to her knees in disbelief, soaking in the moment.
Her career has been defined by resilience and bravery, and tonight she proved it once more on the biggest stage in tennis. pic.twitter.com/oKdDE4VSSH
— TheCommonVoice (@MaxRumbleX) September 5, 2025
Meanwhile, Osaka’s decision to skip Shenzhen comes after an impressive return to form. The four-time Grand Slam champion reached the final in Montreal and made the semifinals at the US Open, showing she’s back among tennis’ elite. Her withdrawal likely signals a strategic focus on building momentum for the remainder of the WTA Tour rather than shifting to team competition.
Who Will Step Up to Replace the Missing Stars?
The teams are scrambling to fill these massive holes in their lineups. For Japan, Osaka’s spot goes to Nao Hibino, the 30-year-old world No. 202 who faces the daunting task of replacing her compatriot. Hibino must step up significantly as Osaka recently climbed back into the top 15 following her strong North American swing.
China will turn to Wang Xiyu to fill Zheng’s crucial role. The home nation had been counting on its Olympic gold medalist to lead its charge, but Wang will now carry those expectations in Shenzhen.
The United States will replace Keys with McCartney Kessler, who will join Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Taylor Townsend, and Hailey Baptiste on the American squad. While the U.S. still boasts profound depth, losing its Australian Open champion removes a proven Grand Slam winner from their arsenal.
These last-minute changes leave tournament organizers wondering if the Billie Jean King Cup can maintain prestige when so many top players choose individual success over national team duty. The event that bills itself as the World Cup of women’s tennis now faces questions about whether the sport’s biggest stars still consider it a priority.
