Zheng becomes first Chinese winner of China Open

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 16:13 · Archive

Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng defeated Mirra Andreeva 7-5 6-4 to become the first Chinese player to win the China Open.

Qinwen Zheng made history on Sunday by becoming the first Chinese player to win the China Open, defeating fourth seed Mirra Andreeva 7-5 6-4 in Beijing. The 24-year-old Olympic champion entered the tournament as a wildcard ranked 54th in the world. She saved three set points in the opening set as Andreeva led 5-4, before Zheng won the remaining 11 points to secure the first set. Andreeva again led 2-0 and then 4-4 in the second set, but Zheng took control to clinch the title with an ace.

Zheng, who underwent elbow surgery and missed nearly six months, showed the form of her old self throughout, using powerful forehands to control rallies and land swift winners. After securing match point, she fell to the floor and sang karaoke for the home crowd. '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.'

This marks Zheng's first WTA 1000 title and her sixth title overall, ending a two-year title drought. The BBC reports she will climb 31 spots in the world rankings. According to Sky Sports, the win is her 14th victory over a top-10 opponent and her third this season.

Zheng becomes first Chinese winner of China Open — Image: BBC Sport

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How it is being reported

Karaoke-singing Zheng makes history with China Open winZheng Qinwen becomes the first Chinese champion of the China Open after overcoming Mirra Andreeva in straight sets.BBC Sport · 11 Oct, 15:43
Zheng stuns Andreeva to become first Chinese winner of China OpenOlympic champion Qinwen Zheng made history as the first Chinese player to win the China Open on Sunday, stunning French Open winner Mirra Andreeva 7-5 6-4.Sky Sports · 11 Oct, 10:35

In this story: Qinwen Zheng · Mirra Andreeva · China Open · Beijing

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