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

Zheng Qinwen emerged victorious in the China Open, becoming the inaugural home champion of the prestigious tournament on Sunday. The former world number four and Olympic champion faced off against Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, a five-ranked player, in a thrilling match that saw Zheng clinch a 7-5, 6-4 victory. Zheng, who has been battling form and fitness issues since elbow surgery in 2025, secured her first title in nearly two years.

Tears of joy welled up in her eyes as she celebrated her triumph, crediting the supportive home crowd for her success. During the trophy ceremony, Zheng expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to win in Beijing, a venue that has always been a dream come true for her. She also praised Andreeva for her outstanding performance in the French Open earlier this year.

Despite Andreeva's consistent start, Zheng managed to level the match at 5-5 and went on to dominate the second set, saving three set points and winning every point thereafter. Throughout the match, the crowd's enthusiasm was palpable, with chants and cheers reverberating around the arena. Zheng's performance was nothing short of exceptional, as she broke through Andreeva's defense at crucial moments, sending down an ace to clinch the first set and ultimately securing her first-ever title at the WTA 1000 level.

This victory marks a significant milestone in Zheng's career, as it has been over two years since she last won a tournament. The players' only previous encounter was in the 2024 China Open quarter-finals, where Zheng emerged victorious in three sets. Andreeva, playing in her first China Open final, expressed her satisfaction with the week, acknowledging the immense talent from her home country.

Following her runner-up finish, Andreeva's ranking is expected to rise to number three, marking a career-high achievement.