Zheng Qinwen becomes first home champion at China Open as she ends two-year title drought

Beijing, October 12 - Zheng Qinwen secured the first home title in the China Open history, triumphing over Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva with a score of 7-5, 6-4 in the final. The former world number four and Olympic champion faced a wildcard entry, having dealt with a loss of form and fitness after elbow surgery in 2025. It marked Zheng's first title in nearly two years, eliciting tears of joy as she fell to the court in jubilation after the match.

Confessing, "The feeling was incredible to win here in Beijing... in front of my home crowd is one of my dreams," Zheng expressed her gratitude during the trophy ceremony. She acknowledged Andreeva's recent French Open victory before serenading the crowd with a song about pursuing the "light of dreams." At 24, Zheng became the first Chinese player to claim the prestigious tournament since its inception in 2004.

Andreeva, ranked fifth, initially dominated with consistency, but Zheng managed to regain a break and stay with her opponent as they battled on the baseline. Zheng saved three set points to tie the score at 5-5 and won every single point thereafter, sealing the first set with an ace. The enthusiastic home crowd sometimes became disruptive, shouting Zheng's name and celebrating her points.

However, the players remained focused, holding their serves until Zheng broke through in the ninth game of the second set, winning the match on her first match point. Zheng, who had not won a trophy since October 2024, when she defeated Sofia Kenin in Tokyo, and had yet to claim a title at the WTA 1000 level, expressed her determination to give everything.

This victory also propelled Andreeva to a career-high ranking of third. Both players are set to compete at the Wuhan 1000-level tournament this week, with Zheng facing American Ann Li in the first round and Andreeva starting in the second.