The China Open presents significant stakes as the penultimate WTA 1000 tournament of the year, offering one last opportunity to claim a prestigious title, earn 1,000 ranking points, and secure a spot in the year-end WTA Finals in Riyadh.
This week in Beijing has been filled with thrilling tiebreaks, strong performances from lesser-known players, and passionate fans showering players with nicknames and gifts, all while clarity emerges as the season approaches its conclusion.
As is typical for WTA 1000 events with a 96-player draw featuring the world’s top competitors, unpredictability is par for the course. This was evident Wednesday when both Mirra Andreeva and Iga Swiatek faced elimination in the fourth round.
This Week’s Highlights
Match of the Week
Numerous spectacular matches took place, but we highlight the grueling first-round encounter between Maria Sakkari and Ashlyn Krueger. Sakkari, after leading 5-2 in the first set, needed four set points to clinch a tiebreak and found herself two points from victory in the next set before faltering. Ultimately, she triumphed 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 7-5 after 3 hours and 29 minutes, marking it as the third-longest match on the Hologic WTA Tour in 2025.
Breakthrough Performance
Eva Lys has made headlines this week, not only for her skills but for achieving a notable upset against eighth-seeded Elena Rybakina in the third round. This victory marked Lys’ first career win over a Top 10 player and her first entry into the fourth round of a WTA 1000 event. Britain’s Sonay Kartal also made an impression by taking down fourth-seeded Andreeva, securing her own first Top 10 victory.
Key Moments of the Tournament
The tournament has seen a multitude of impressive points, but standout rallies from Emma Raducanu have caught particular attention, showcasing her all-court prowess. Additionally, Amanda Anisimova’s thrilling 13-11 tiebreak victory in her third-round match against Shuai Zhang proved pivotal, with Anisimova displaying remarkable intensity and skill to clinch the first set.
Historical Achievements
Iga Swiatek is continuing to make history, following her recent title in Seoul and eyeing Aryna Sabalenka’s World No. 1 ranking. Her swift third-round win against Camila Osorio, who retired due to injury, included a dominant 6-0 first set—her 17th of the year, placing her well ahead of rivals. She also became the first player ever to secure 25 or more wins at WTA 1000 events across three consecutive seasons.
Players’ Love for Beijing
During this tournament, the players have expressed their enthusiasm for the crowd and local support. Coco Gauff has praised the creativity of Chinese fans, while Iga Swiatek noted the extraordinary support she receives here. The affectionate interactions, nicknames, and thoughtful gifts from the crowd have created a vibrant atmosphere, making the experience unforgettable for the athletes.
As the quarterfinals approach with an exciting lineup set, key matches to watch include Emma Navarro against Jessica Pegula and Eva Lys facing Coco Gauff for a chance to advance further in the tournament.
