Zheng beats Andreeva to become first home player to win China Open

Beijing witnessed a historic moment as Zheng Qinwen claimed victory at the China Open, marking the first home win for a Chinese player in the tournament's 17-year history. The 24-year-old Zheng, a former world number four and Olympic champion, overcame Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4. Zheng struggled with form and fitness following elbow surgery in 2025, which is why she was a wildcard entry. Her breakthrough victory came after nearly two years without a title.

Teary-eyed, Zheng expressed her joy, saying, "The feeling is incredible to win here in Beijing... in front of my home crowd is one of my dreams." She praised Andreeva for her French Open win earlier in the year and serenaded the crowd with a song about chasing dreams. Despite Andreeva's consistency, Zheng managed to break her opponent's serve, eventually winning the first set 5-4. In the second set, Zheng saved three set points and eventually clinched the match with an ace, securing her first-ever WTA 1000 title.

Andreeva, ranked 19th, admitted her disappointment, stating, "It was a very nice week despite falling just short." She expressed her love for playing in Beijing and hinted at a career-high ranking move with this impressive run to the final.