Qinwen Zheng is finally a WTA 1000 champion, having claimed her maiden crown at this level in front of her home fans.
It marked a culmination of an outstanding week for the 24-year-old, who saved arguably her best performance for last against Mirra Andreeva.
The teenage sensation, who won her first-ever Grand Slam title this year, would likely have been seen as the favourite before this match began.
However, that would not have accounted for the home crowd advantage, with Qinwen Zheng’s only other WTA 1000 final actually coming in Wuhan.
There’s something about playing in China that this Chinese star loves, and she actually addressed the crowd in her post-match championship speech before bizarrely breaking into song.
Qinwen Zheng speaks straight after winning the China Open title
She began by sharing her emotions: “The feeling was incredible to win here in Beijing in front of my home crowd. It’s one of my dreams, and especially playing against Mirra, such a great player.”
Zheng then turned her attention to Andreeva, adding: “First of all, I want to say congratulations for this year’s Roland-Garros. That was an amazing achievement. I never had the chance to say congratulations to you. Thank you.
“Congratulations on making the final. You’re such a young player, very talented and congrats to your team.”
As per the usual formula, the 2024 Australian Open finalist concluded with a word for her team and the fans: “Next one, congrats to my team. I want to thank you for supporting me because I’ve been through a very tough year, and thank you to the fans. Thank you.”
Then, in a rather confusing but highly amusing turn of events, music began playing. Looking rather sheepish, Zheng inexplicably started singing. Once her Chinese tune had concluded, she waved to the crowd, and was rewarded with a rapturous reception. Perhaps a future in the arts beckons when Zheng calls time on her tennis career.
Qinwen Zheng shines despite worrying first serve stats
Zheng has never had the most powerful of first serves, but today it particularly let her down.
After all, despite winning in straight sets, she only managed to get an underwhelming 38% of her first serves in.
It could be argued that this was a specific tactic to up the risk of this particular shot.
If that were the case, it certainly paid off, winning 73% of points behind that first serve when it went in.
However, she more than makes up for these service struggles with some of the cleanest ball striking off both wings, making her a multi-talented weapon that can trouble anyone on the WTA Tour.
Predict the next WTA player to make their debut as world number one! 💭
Elena Rybakina has just become the 30th world number one since 1975 🥇
It’s so refreshing to see Zheng back fit again after such a torrid time with injuries.
Hopefully this China Open milestone, the biggest title of her career, can prove to be the catalyst that spurs her on to bigger things.
