Fourth seed Andreeva enters the championship match after an impressive run through the draw, while Zheng has captured the support of the home crowd by becoming the first Chinese player to reach the tournament’s women’s singles final. The final presents Andreeva with an opportunity to add another major title to her breakthrough season, while Zheng is aiming to complete her comeback with a landmark victory on home soil.
Andreeva arrives in Beijing in outstanding form
The 19-year-old Russian has enjoyed a productive 2026 season, winning the French Open, Adelaide and Linz titles before reaching the final in Beijing.
Andreeva secured her place in the championship match with a commanding 6–2, 6–2 victory over Czech teenager Nikola Bartunkova in the semi-finals. She produced 16 winners and committed just 10 unforced errors in a performance lasting one hour and 14 minutes.
The victory was her 50th match win of the season and secured her a projected rise to world No. 3 in the rankings.
Andreeva has demonstrated her ability to handle pressure throughout the tournament, recovering from a difficult opening match before progressing through the later rounds without dropping another set.
Zheng makes history on home soil
Zheng’s journey to the final has been particularly significant for Chinese tennis. The Olympic champion became the first Chinese player to reach the China Open women’s singles final since the tournament joined the WTA Tour in 2004.
The 24-year-old earned her place in the final by defeating 13th seed Elise Mertens 7–5, 6–2 in the semi-finals. Zheng recovered from a competitive opening set before dominating the second to complete the victory in one hour and 32 minutes.
Her route to the final included wins over Elina Svitolina and Marie Bouzkova, alongside several demanding three-set encounters.
After recovering from an elbow injury and experiencing a difficult period in the rankings, Zheng now has the opportunity to win her first WTA Tour title since Tokyo in 2024.
Head-to-head record favours Zheng
The players have met only once at tour level, with Zheng winning their previous encounter at the 2024 China Open.
She recovered from losing the opening set 7–5 to win the quarter-final 5–7, 6–0, 6–4.
That experience offers Zheng encouragement, although both players have developed considerably since their previous meeting. Andreeva arrives as a Grand Slam champion, while Zheng has rediscovered strong form during the Asian swing.
Contrasting styles could shape the final
Andreeva’s consistency, court coverage and ability to put pressure on opponents’ service games will be important against Zheng’s aggressive baseline approach.
The Russian has converted numerous break-point opportunities throughout the season, while Zheng has demonstrated the ability to dictate rallies with her powerful forehand.
Playing in front of a home crowd could provide Zheng with additional motivation, but it may also bring pressure as she attempts to deliver a historic result for Chinese tennis.
Andreeva, meanwhile, will look to use her experience from previous finals and major tournaments to manage the occasion.
China Open title within reach
The final is scheduled for Sunday evening on Diamond Court in Beijing, following the women’s doubles final.
The singles champion will collect 1,000 WTA ranking points and approximately US$1.15 million in prize money, while the runner-up will receive 650 points and approximately US$612,340.
For Andreeva, victory would add another WTA 1000 title to an already impressive season. For Zheng, it would represent a historic triumph in front of her home supporters and a major milestone in her return to the top of women’s tennis.
Match: Mirra Andreeva vs Qinwen Zheng
Tournament: China Open, WTA 1000 final
Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026
Venue: National Tennis Centre, Beijing, China
Status: Scheduled