Zheng Qinwen made history in Beijing last week by becoming the first Chinese player to win the China Open. This victory marks a significant milestone in her career and a standout moment during the tournament, where she showcased her skills by winning her first major title since 2024.

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Competing as a wild card, Zheng had an impressive run, winning four consecutive three-set matches to reach the quarterfinals. She defeated sixth-seeded Elina Svitolina and 13th-seeded Elise Mertens before facing fourth-seeded Mirra Andreeva in the final. Zheng secured the championship with a 7-5, 6-4 victory, earning her first WTA 1000 title and becoming the lowest-ranked player to win the China Open since its inception in 1994.

Throughout the tournament, Zheng exhibited remarkable power and control, hitting a remarkable 243 winners—the highest number recorded since Aryna Sabalenka’s 247 at the 2023 Australian Open. She also registered 51 aces, second only to Elena Rybakina's 54 at the US Open. Her recent performance adds to her success, with Zheng winning 14 of her last 15 matches since reaching the quarterfinals of this season's last major event.

Another highlight was 20-year-old Nikola Bartunkova, who made her mark by reaching the semifinals in Beijing after previously not advancing past the round of 16 at any WTA 1000 event. Bartunkova achieved her second and third career Top 10 victories, defeating Sabalenka and later Karolina Muchova.

Muchova's match against Naomi Osaka in the round of 16 was one of the week's most memorable. After trailing in both the first and third sets, Muchova managed to outlast Osaka, winning 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (7) in a match lasting nearly three hours.

In the quarterfinals, Bartunkova recorded a shocking upset over Muchova with a dominant 6-3, 6-0 victory, completing the match in just 67 minutes. Bartunkova's efficiency in this match surprised many, as she won the final seven games.

Zheng's triumph propelled her 31 places up the PIF WTA Rankings, reaching No. 23, while Andreeva rose to a career-high No. 3. The tournament also saw Andreeva and Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova qualify for the WTA Finals at Indian Wells, marking their singles debuts at this prestigious event. They join other top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina in the competition.