Zheng makes Beijing history as Andreeva reaches fifth final of 2026

Zheng Qinwen became the first Chinese player to reach the China Open final after defeating Elise Mertens 7-5, 6-2 in Beijing on Saturday. According to the WTA's official match report, the wild card completed her semifinal victory in one hour and 32 minutes, ending a run of seven semifinal defeats for Chinese players at the tournament.

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Mertens threatened a recovery late in the opening set, but Zheng took eight of the last 10 games to settle the contest. She finished with 32 winners and 16 unforced errors, advancing to her 11th tour-level final and second at WTA 1000 level.

The straight-sets result followed a demanding route through the draw. Zheng's first four matches all reached a third set before she defeated Elina Svitolina in straight sets in the quarterfinals. Through six matches in Beijing, she has spent 13 hours and 33 minutes on court, the highest total at a single WTA event this season.

Earlier, fourth seed Mirra Andreeva beat 26th seed Nikola Bartunkova 6-2, 6-2 to reach her first Beijing final. The WTA reported that Andreeva needed 74 minutes, producing 16 winners against 10 unforced errors as she conceded just four games across the two sets.

Andreeva converted five of her 10 break-point chances. The result took her season total to 301 converted break points in tour-level main draws, the leading figure on the WTA Tour. She said work on her return had been a particular focus with her team and credited coach Conchita Martinez with initiating that effort.

Her semifinal success was also her 50th match win of the season, drawing her level with Jessica Pegula for the tour lead. It came one day after she secured qualification for the season-ending WTA Finals, adding another milestone to her week in Beijing.

Andreeva's fifth final of 2026 matches the season tally of Pegula, Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka. The WTA said the result would lift her to a career-high world No. 3 when the rankings are updated next week.