Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen said she treats her home tournament in Beijing as the “fifth Grand Slam” of the season, carrying both heightened expectations and immense fan support into her opening match against compatriot Shi Han at the China Open.
Zheng Qinwen’s Home Pressure at the China Open
Zheng enters the Beijing main draw as a wild card following a resurgent run to the US Open quarterfinals. That deep push in New York lifted her ranking from outside the top 120 to No. 52 on the WTA Tour, driven by Mercedes-Benz. Playing in front of a domestic audience brings unique demands. According to Zheng, competing on home soil matches the magnitude of a major tournament.
“I think to play in China is like playing the fifth Grand Slam for me,” Zheng said during her pre-tournament press conference. “They are the same importance. Of course, I want to perform super well in front of my people.”
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While the World No. 52 acknowledged feeling extra pressure due to high local expectations, she also emphasized the positive side of the equation. “In the same time I also get extra support from all the fans, so I have nothing to complain,” she said.
Rebuilding Rankings After Elbow Surgery
Zheng’s current position stems largely from an interrupted season. She underwent elbow surgery in July 2025 that sidelined her for months. Last year in Beijing, she played just two matches in her first tournament back before retiring and missing further action until Doha in February.
Reflecting on that rushed comeback, Zheng noted she returned too quickly on medical advice, worsening her condition. Before her recent New York surge, a low ranking forced her to play qualifying rounds in Toronto, where she lost in the first round. That setback prompted her to skip the Cincinnati Open and complete an intense training block.
“Somehow the surgery stopped my progress, I had to start kind of from zero again,” Zheng said. “Ranking right now for me is a number. Of course, it shows what I did in the last one year. I know where I’m capable to be.”
Aiming Beyond Former Top-Five Status
Before her physical setbacks, Zheng climbed as high as No. 4 in the world rankings. She believes her current position does not reflect her true level of play and has set her sights on surpassing her previous career peak.
“Here is not the place where I deserve. My highest ranking is No. 4, I still believe I could do much better than that,” Zheng said. “I really want to see what I can bring in the future, and I know deep inside me [I can], but I have to prove it.”
Zheng faces fellow Chinese player Shi Han in the first round on Thursday. Despite managing an on-and-off cough during her tournament preparations, she does not expect the minor illness to hinder her performance on the court.
Tournament Background and Match Details
Tournament Facts
- Event: China Open, Beijing
- Zheng’s Best Result: Semifinals in 2024
- Current Ranking: No. 52
- Opening Opponent: Shi Han (China)
Frequently Asked Questions About Zheng Qinwen’s Beijing Campaign
What is Zheng Qinwen’s current WTA ranking?
Zheng holds the No. 52 spot on the WTA Tour, following a successful run to the quarterfinals at the US Open.
Who does Zheng play in her first match in Beijing?
Zheng faces fellow Chinese qualifier Shi Han in the opening round on Thursday.
What interrupted Zheng Qinwen’s 2025 season?
Zheng underwent elbow surgery in July 2025, which kept her sidelined for extended periods and forced her to rebuild her ranking.