Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen is taking a “short break” from the WTA Tour after having arthroscopic surgery on her right elbow.

The 22-year-old Chinese player was fifth seed at this year’s Wimbledon, but lost in the first round and said she had been “dealing with persistent pain”.

“Now begins the recovery journey,” the world number six wrote on Instagram.

“Over the next few weeks and months, I’ll be focusing entirely on rehab – doing everything I can to come back stronger and healthier.

“This is just a short break and I see it as a necessary step toward a better version of myself on court.”

Zheng underwent the procedure on Friday and was “grateful to have it behind me”.