China Open draws record crowds, Zheng Qinwen makes history in Beijing

The 2026 China Open attracted a record attendance of more than 450,000, the tennis competition's organizers announced at a closing press conference in Beijing, where CGTN Sports Scene's Zhu Mandan spoke with tournament director Lars Graff about player feedback and improvements to the event.

Chen Jie, the organizing committee's executive deputy director and secretary general, said attendance increased by 25 percent from last year, while ticket revenue reached 132 million yuan (about $19 million), up 48 percent.

The tournament welcomed 215 professional players from 40 countries and regions, including 34 Chinese participants.

A total of 61 ATP and 162 WTA matches were held at the National Tennis Center.

Graff highlighted well-received changes made to player services and facilities, which have helped strengthen the tournament's reputation among the world's leading competitors.

The expanded player area, upgraded rehabilitation facilities and improved transportation services were among the new measures introduced this season.

The China Open concluded on Sunday with a historic victory for Zheng Qinwen, who defeated Russia's Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 in the final, becoming the first Chinese player to win the women's singles title at the tournament.

Zheng saved three set points in the first set before wrapping up the victory in one hour and 43 minutes.

The triumph marked her first WTA 1000 title and sixth career singles trophy.

In the men's competition, Serbia's Novak Djokovic returned to Beijing after an 11-year absence and picked up his seventh China Open title in last Tuesday's final, extending his unbeaten record at the tournament to 34 matches.

The organizers also highlighted the performances of Chinese junior players, who won three of the four titles at the ITF J300 event, strongly reflecting the development of the country's next generation of tennis talent.