Key Takeaways
- Zheng Qinwen dropped 78 games on her way to the Beijing title, the second-most in Open Era history behind Madison Keys’ 87 at the 2025 Australian Open.
- The 24-year-old wildcard navigated four consecutive three-set battles before winning her quarterfinal, semifinal, and final in straight sets against Mirra Andreeva.
- Winning her sixth career title and first since elbow surgery, Zheng became the first Chinese player to win the China Open since its 2004 relaunch and rises to world No. 23.
Historic run earns Zheng maiden WTA 1000 championship
Entering the China Open as a wildcard competitor ranked world No. 54, Zheng Qinwen endured one of the most demanding paths to a tournament victory in tennis history. The 24-year-old dropped 78 games over the course of seven rounds before lifting the trophy in Beijing.
That tally places her second all-time for the most games surrendered en route to a WTA-level singles title in the Open Era. She sits behind only Madison Keys, who conceded 87 games on her path to winning the 2025 Australian Open.
Grueling early rounds test former world No. 4
Zheng was pushed to the absolute limit in the opening week, requiring three sets in each of her first four contests. She opened her campaign by holding off world No. 231 Shi Han 7-6 (6), 4-6, 6-2. In the following round, Zheng rallied past 15th-seeded Anna Kalinskaya, who retired trailing 6-7 (4), 6-4, 3-0.
The physical tests continued as Zheng survived another marathon against Marie Bouzkova, winning 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-5. She then booked her quarterfinal place by fending off Alina Charaeva 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 in the round of 16.
Straight-sets surge toward the trophy
After navigating those grueling early battles, the former world No. 4 found her stride and did not surrender another set for the remainder of the event. Zheng defeated Elina Svitolina 6-3, 7-6 (6) in the quarterfinals and dismissed Elise Mertens 7-5, 6-2 in the semifinals.
Facing Mirra Andreeva in the championship clash, Zheng sealed a 7-5, 6-4 victory to capture her maiden WTA 1000 crown. With that result, she became the first Chinese player to capture the China Open singles championship since the tournament returned to the calendar in 2004.
Comeback milestone and ranking boost
The Beijing triumph represents Zheng’s sixth career title and serves as her first tournament victory following an earlier elbow surgery this year. The championship run also provides a major boost to her standing on the WTA Tour, lifting her up 31 places to world No. 23 in the updated rankings.
WTA Beijing - Qinwen Zheng's projected path
Qinwen Zheng in 2026
Ranked world no.54, Qinwen played her last match on the 11th of October when she defeated world no.5 Mirra Andreeva 7-5 6-4 in the final in Beijing to win her 5th career title.
During this season Qinwen has managed to achieve a composed 25-15 match record. The Chinese conquered 1 title in Beijing.
WTA Beijing - Qinwen Zheng's projected path
Qinwen Zheng in 2026
Now the world no.54, the Chinese played her last match on the 11th of October when she beat world no.5 Mirra Andreeva 7-5 6-4 in the final in Beijing to win her 5th career title.
At the moment, during this season Qinwen has managed to achieve an overall 25-15 win-loss record. Zheng conquered 1 title in Beijing.
Qinwen Zheng and Qinwen Zheng have never fought against each other.
