Lee Zii Jia’s turbulent 2025 season has taken another setback, with the Paris Olympic bronze medallist forced to withdraw from the upcoming European swing due to persistent back problems.
Team LZJ confirmed that the world No. 43 has been advised to undergo an extended rehabilitation programme for low back pain, ruling him out of the Denmark Open, French Open, and Hylo Open this October.
The decision follows his recent retirement during the China Masters, where he pulled out midway through his opening-round match. It also adds to a string of injury troubles this year — including a right ankle injury that sidelined him for five months before his return at the Paris World Championships in August.
Since his comeback, Zii Jia has struggled to find form, suffering early exits at both the World Championships and Hong Kong Open before withdrawing against Taiwan’s Lin Chun Yi in Shenzhen.
“2025 has indeed been a challenging season for Zii Jia, but his determination to overcome adversity, along with the unwavering support from fans and sponsors, continues to drive him,” read the team’s statement.
Time, however, is not on his side. His protected ranking — currently No. 9 — expires at the end of the year, ensuring entry into top-tier tournaments only until then. Without a swift recovery, Zii Jia risks falling out of the world’s top 100 and being forced to rebuild through lower-tier events, a daunting task for a player of his stature.
With his sights set firmly on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where he hopes to better the men’s singles bronze medal he earned in Paris, the coming months will be crucial in deciding the trajectory of his career.
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