Zheng Qinwen’s victory at the China Open in Beijing marks a milestone for Chinese tennis. The Olympic gold medallist at Paris 2024 is the first Chinese player to win the title in the capital, following two difficult seasons in which an elbow injury disrupted her progress. A year ago, at the same tournament, she retired in the third round against Linda Nosková before undergoing surgery on her elbow. Twelve months later, she beat Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 in the final to claim the first WTA 1000 title of her career.
Zheng found her rhythm as the tournament progressed, looking increasingly assured after an extended spell on the sidelines. At the US Open, she had come through three rounds of qualifying before reaching the quarter-finals. In Beijing, where she received a wild card, her first three matches, against Anna Kalinskaya, Marie Bouzková and Charaeva, all went to a deciding set. From the quarter-finals onwards, however, she did not drop another set, beating Elina Svitolina, Elise Mertens and Andreeva in straight sets to lift the trophy.
Zheng’s popularity was also reflected in the China Open’s record crowds. The organisers announced that attendance had risen by 25 per cent on the previous edition, while ticket revenue was up 48 per cent. Novak Djokovic, a major draw for Beijing crowds, won the men’s title, but Zheng has become an attraction in her own right. Her appeal extends beyond the tennis court, making her a valuable figure for brands looking to reach Chinese audiences.
Despite the time she missed through injury, Zheng’s earnings in 2025 reached $22.5 million. Much of that income came from sponsorship deals, many secured after her singles gold at the Paris Olympics. Her sponsors continued to back her during her recovery. Now, after reaching the quarter-finals at the US Open and winning a title on home soil, she has re-established herself as a force on the court and a compelling proposition off it. Nike, Dior, Rolex, Audi, McDonald’s and Turkish Airlines are among the brands that sponsor Zheng. After her victory in Beijing, her appeal is likely to grow further.