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 Merte...