The Russian fourth seed needed approximately 74 minutes to secure victory on the hard courts in Beijing, controlling the semi-final with aggressive returning and consistent play from the baseline.
The win also marked Andreeva’s 50th match victory of the 2026 season, according to the Associated Press, underlining another strong campaign for the 19-year-old.
Andreeva takes control from the start
Andreeva established her authority early, putting Bartunkova under pressure with her return game and taking the opening set 6-2.
The Russian continued in the same fashion in the second set, limiting her opponent’s opportunities to build momentum and securing another 6-2 scoreline to complete a straight-sets victory.
Match statistics reflected her superiority. Andreeva won 59 points to Bartunkova’s 39 and converted five break points, consistently disrupting the Czech player’s service games.
Bartunkova’s surprise run comes to an end
Bartunkova arrived at the semi-final after a breakthrough week that included victories over some of the tournament’s biggest names.
The 20-year-old stunned world number two Aryna Sabalenka before defeating fellow Czech Karolina Muchova 6-3, 6-0 to reach her first WTA 1000 semi-final.
However, Andreeva proved a tougher obstacle, bringing Bartunkova’s impressive campaign to an end before the final.
Despite the defeat, Bartunkova’s performances in Beijing strengthened her growing reputation as one of the tour’s emerging talents.
First China Open final for Andreeva
The victory sends Andreeva into her first final at the China Open, adding another milestone to a season that has already featured major success.
The French Open champion had earlier overcome compatriot Ekaterina Alexandrova in two tie-breaks to reach the last four. Against Bartunkova, she delivered a much more straightforward performance, winning both sets by the same margin.
Andreeva will now prepare for the title match as she looks to add another trophy to her 2026 collection.
Zheng Qinwen or Elise Mertens awaits
Andreeva will face either home favourite Zheng Qinwen or Belgium’s Elise Mertens in Sunday’s final.
Zheng reached the semi-finals after defeating Elina Svitolina, while Mertens advanced with a notable victory over four-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek.
With the title within reach, Andreeva will enter the final full of confidence after a convincing semi-final display. Her next opponent, however, will present a fresh challenge as she attempts to crown her Beijing campaign with the trophy.