Karaoke-singing Zheng makes history with China Open win
Zheng Qinwen becomes the first Chinese woman to win the China Open after defeating Mirra Andreeva in Beijing.
Quick Look
- Zheng Qinwen defeated Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 to become the first Chinese woman to win the China Open.
- The 24-year-old wildcard secured her first WTA 1000 title in Beijing, ending a two-year title drought following a challenging year of injury and recovery.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Zheng Qinwen underwent elbow surgery last year and has struggled with form and fitness over the past 12 months.
Zheng Qinwen became the first Chinese woman to win the China Open by beating Mirra Andreeva in straight sets in Beijing.
Zheng, who entered the tournament as a wildcard ranked number 54 in the world, saved three set points in Sunday's opening set before overcoming fourth seed Andreeva 7-5, 6-4.
The 24-year-old fell to the floor as she secured match point and treated the raucous home crowd to some karaoke following her victory speech.
"The feeling was incredible. To win here in Beijing in front of my home crowd is one of my dreams," she said.
"I've been through a very, very tough year."
For Zheng, who underwent elbow surgery last year, it was a first WTA 1000 title and her sixth title over all. The triumph brings an end to a two-year title drought for a player who has struggled with form and fitness in the past 12 months.
Andreeva, 19, was on top in the early stages of both sets, but was reeled back in both times.
