Zheng Qinwen wins China Open, becoming first home player to triumph

Key Takeaways

Zheng Qinwen became the first home winner of the China Open, beating Mirra Andreeva in the final.
The victory marks Zheng’s first title in nearly two years and her first at the WTA 1000 level.
Zheng, a former world number four, overcame form issues after elbow surgery to claim the title.

Zheng Qinwen secured a historic victory at the China Open, becoming the first home player to win the prestigious tournament. In a thrilling final, Zheng defeated Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4, celebrating her triumph in front of a passionate home crowd.

The 24-year-old, who had struggled with form and fitness after elbow surgery in 2025, expressed immense joy at her win. 'The feeling was incredible to win here in Beijing… in front of my home crowd is one of my dreams,' she said during the trophy ceremony, her eyes filled with tears.

Zheng’s journey to this title was not easy. She had not won a tournament since October 2024, when she beat Sofia Kenin in Tokyo. 'I felt like I just forgot how to compete after coming back from injury,' she told reporters. 'Finally, after so many losses, I found my fire again.'

Andreeva, ranked fifth in the world, was a formidable opponent. She had beaten Russian player Nikola Bartunkova 6-2, 6-2 in the semi-finals. Despite her strong performance, Andreeva was gracious in defeat, congratulating Zheng on her title and expressing satisfaction with her own run in the tournament.

Zheng’s victory is significant as it marks the first time a Chinese player has won the China Open since its inception in 2004. The crowd, eager to see their homegrown talent crowned champion, was disruptive at times, but the players maintained their focus, holding serve until the decisive moments.

Zheng’s performance in the final was nothing short of remarkable. She saved three set points to level at 5-5 and won every single point after that, sending down an ace to take the first set. In the second set, she broke Andreeva’s serve in the ninth game, firing brilliantly against the line to go up 5-4. A double-fault threatened to derail her victory, but Zheng, defiant, sent down an ace to win on her first match point.

The victory is a step in Zheng’s injury comeback. She had struggled with her form since her surgery and is a wildcard entry in Beijing. 'I had a great performance tonight,' she told the crowd afterwards. 'But, I would not say I’m back. I would say the best version of me is still coming in the future.'

Both players are set to compete in the upcoming Wuhan 1000-level tournament. Zheng will face American Ann Li in the first round, while Andreeva starts in the second. 'I’m so hungry, honestly, for what’s gonna come next,' Zheng added. 'I just want to give everything.'