Zheng Qinwen Beats Mirra Andreeva to Become First Home Champion at China Open

Zheng Qinwen etched her name into tennis history on Sunday, becoming the first home player to capture the women’s singles title at the China Open with a straight-sets victory over Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva in Beijing. The reigning Olympic champion held her nerve in front of an ecstatic home crowd at the National Tennis Centre, closing out a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 triumph in the final. Zheng, 24, is the first Chinese player to lift the trophy since the tournament's inaugural edition in 2004.

Entering the tournament as a wildcard entry, Zheng had dropped to world number 54 following an arduous recovery from elbow surgery in 2025 that severely disrupted her form and fitness. The triumph marked her first WTA title in nearly two years, prompting an emotional celebration as she fell to the court in tears after securing match point.

Reflecting on her comeback during the trophy presentation, the former world number four described lifting the title on home soil as an extraordinary milestone following months of rehabilitation. She acknowledged that it had been an exceptionally tough year physically and mentally, making the victory before her home supporters a dream come true.

Zheng also took time during the ceremony to commend Andreeva for a stellar breakthrough season that included her French Open crown earlier in the year. She then delighted the packed Beijing arena by singing to the crowd about pursuing the light of dreams, putting the seal on an unforgettable week that re-establishes her among the top contenders in women’s tennis.