BEIJING — The China Open moved through its media days with Aryna Sabalenka, Zheng Qinwen and Coco Gauff among the WTA players meeting reporters before the Beijing tournament begins. With no on-court results yet to shape the draw, the early focus fell on Zheng’s return to form, China’s rising junior talent and the appeal of competing in the country’s capital.
Zheng targets a strong finish to the season
Zheng said she is eager to contest what she expects to be her final three events of the year, having felt a marked physical and mental improvement during the US Open.
“By the US Open, I was starting to feel fitter and stronger again,” Zheng said. “I was enjoying my tennis, my mindset had returned, and physically I was in a much better place.”
The home favourite also used her Beijing appearance to praise Sun Xinran, the 16-year-old Chinese player who recently captured the US Open girls’ singles title and holds the junior world No. 1 ranking.
- Zheng congratulated Sun on winning the US Open girls’ title.
- She also recognised Sun’s achievements over the previous year.
- Zheng said such results are significant for Chinese junior tennis, noting that she had not achieved comparable success during her own junior career.
- She expects to encounter Sun regularly on the professional tour within the next one or two years.
“She has a lot of talent,” Zheng said. “I hope China can produce more players like her and push Chinese tennis to another level.”
Sun draws inspiration from Zheng’s Olympic fight
Sun, preparing for her WTA-level debut in Beijing, pointed to Zheng’s Olympic campaign as a model for the resilience she hopes to bring to her own matches.
She singled out Zheng’s comeback victories over Emma Navarro and Angelique Kerber at the 2024 Olympics, recalling how the Chinese star remained in the contest despite trailing on the scoreboard.
“She was behind, but she kept fighting and won,” Sun said. “Then she did it again in the next match. Her mentality is so strong. I want to become the kind of player who fights even when I am down 0-5 or the opponent has a set lead.”
Gauff embraces Beijing beyond the tennis
Gauff said competing in China offers an experience that extends well beyond the court, particularly for a player interested in the country’s history and culture.
The American highlighted visits to landmarks including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, saying she values the chance to explore a nation with a history very different from that of the United States.
- Gauff described China as a distinctive stop on the WTA calendar.
- She said the country’s deep history and culture stand out to visiting players.
- The American cited the Great Wall and Forbidden City among the places that make the Beijing trip memorable.
As the China Open shifts from media commitments to match preparation, Zheng will carry the home expectations, Sun will take her first steps on the WTA stage, and Sabalenka and Gauff join the established contenders awaiting the start of play in Beijing.
