Zheng Qinwen Makes History as First Chinese Finalist at Beijing’s WTA 1000

The 2026 China Open delivered a defining moment for Asian tennis as Zheng Qinwen produced a authoritative performance on the Diamond Court, defeating Belgium’s Elise Mertens 7-5, 6-2. With a commanding straight-sets display in the WTA 1000 semifinal, the Olympic gold medalist became the first Chinese singles finalist in the history of the Beijing tournament.

The matchup offered a compelling tactical contrast: Mertens’ disciplined baseline game against Zheng’s relentless, high-octane power from the back of the court.

First Set: Late Surge Breaks Baseline Standoff

The opening set began as an intense duel from the baseline. Mertens started sharp, using high first-serve precision and smart court coverage to keep her opponent on the defensive. Zheng, however, relied on raw power to hold firm, relying on heavy delivery and aggressive forehands during critical moments.

With the set balanced at 5-5, Zheng elevated her intensity on return games. She found consistent depth, dragged Mertens into extended exchanges, and created the decisive opening. Securing a late break, Zheng served out the set 7-5 to claim a hard-fought early advantage.

Second Set: Dominant Serving Seals the Victory

Having taken the lead, Zheng seized complete control in the second set. Her serve became a devastating weapon, repeatedly earning quick points and preventing Mertens from establishing any rhythm on return.

Zheng pushed the tempo from the baseline, pairing heavy first serves with sharp forehand winners to break Mertens’ serve twice. Winning the point tally by a wide margin, Zheng comfortably closed out the second set 6-2 to complete a polished, high-level performance.

A Milestone Achievement on Home Soil

The semifinal victory marks another major milestone in Zheng’s rapid rise through the sport’s elite ranks. By overcoming a seasoned competitor in Mertens, Zheng demonstrated both tactical adaptability and mental resilience under the bright lights of a premier WTA 1000 event.

Her achievement guarantees a historic presence in the final, igniting immense excitement among the home fans in Beijing. Zheng Qinwen has already etched her name in the tournament record books, but her eyes remain firmly set on lifting the championship trophy.