Zheng Beats Andreeva in Historic China Open Win

Reigning Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen made history on Sunday, becoming the first Chinese player to win the China Open by defeating Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 in Beijing.

Entering the tournament as a wildcard ranked 54th after recovering from 2025 elbow surgery, Zheng overcame a difficult year to claim her first WTA 1000 title and her first trophy in nearly two years.

Tears filled her eyes as she collapsed onto the court in celebration before serenading the ecstatic home crowd during the trophy ceremony.

The 24-year-old showcased immense resilience against the world number five.

After falling behind early in the opening set, Zheng saved three set points to level at 5-5 before sweeping consecutive points and firing an ace to steal the set.

Amid an enthusiastic and at times disruptive home crowd, both players maintained high intensity until Zheng broke Andreeva in the ninth game of the second set with a precise baseline winner. She then sealed the victory on her first match point with an ace.

The emotional triumph ended a long title drought for Zheng, who admitted to struggling with her competitive fire after returning from injury.

Despite the loss, Andreeva reached a career-high ranking of world number three following her run to the final.

Both players now turn their focus to this week’s WTA 1000 event in Wuhan, with Zheng declaring her hunger to maintain momentum for the remainder of the season.