The ‌world number 24, who reached the Melbourne final in 2024, took a break from the ⁠sport last year after opting to ‌undergo arthroscopic surgery on her right ​elbow.

She missed the US Open before returning to ‍action at the China Open in September, where she was forced ‌to retire from her third-round match due to pain in her elbow.

"Making this decision has ⁠been incredibly difficult for me. Melbourne is my 'lucky place', where I won my first Grand Slam main draw match and where I had my best experience," China's Zheng said in a statement on Instagram.

"I have a special connection ⁠to this place, and I ‌was very eager to start my new season at the Melbourne Park."

The season's opening Grand Slam begins on ⁠January 18.