Zheng Qinwen Triumphs in Beijing Comeback Following Elbow Surgery
Zheng Qinwen Triumphs in Beijing Return, Advances to China Open Third Round
Zheng April onto the China Open Stage After Recovery
Zheng Qinwen captivated her home crowd with a triumphant return to the WTA Tour at the China Open, following a two-month hiatus due to elbow surgery. The World No. 9 confidently defeated Colombia’s Emiliana Arango, a lucky loser replacement, with a 6-3, 6-2 victory on Saturday, securing her spot in the third round in Beijing. This win marked her first since June.
First Victory Since Queen’s Club Semifinals
Before her recent success, Zheng’s last victory was at the Queen’s Club semifinals in June. Her only tournament participation since had been Wimbledon, where she experienced a first-round exit. The Chinese No. 1 chose surgery to address her recurring elbow issue, sidelining her during most of the 2025 season. Despite not being at her physical peak, she decided to enter the Beijing tournament.
“Actually, the China Open wasn’t in our plan because, as I mentioned on court, I’m not at 100%,” Zheng stated at her post-match press conference. “I’m at about 80-70%, but I’m able to compete. The recovery’s been long. Initially, the healing was quick, but the final 20% just stalled.” She mentioned consulting with her team, who confirmed there was no risk in her playing and the choice was hers. Motivated by home support, she made the “tough decision” to see how the match would unfold, finding it “pretty good still.”
Zheng’s Dominance Over Arango Continues
With her latest victory, Zheng’s record against Arango improves to 3-0, extending her dominance over the Colombian without dropping a set. Their previous encounter resulted in a straight-sets win for Zheng in the second round of this year’s French Open.
Impressive Home Soil Record
The win highlights Zheng’s remarkable performance on home ground, where she enjoys significant support. Holding a 9-3 career record at WTA 1000 events in China, Zheng boasts the highest win rate (75%) among Chinese players since 2009. Across all WTA Tour events in China, she has emerged victorious in 17 out of 21 matches (81%), ranking her third since 2000, following Coco Gauff (87.5%) and Aryna Sabalenka (83%). Since the return of the tour to China in 2023, Zheng has secured the highest number of match wins on home territory with 17.
“I’m really delighted. Missing the US Open was frustrating. Here, I delivered my best performance, energized by the crowd’s passion, gaining extra motivation under these conditions,” Zheng conveyed post-match.
Facing Linda Noskova in the Third Round
Zheng’s next challenge is against Czech Republic’s No. 26 seed, Linda Noskova. Zheng has previously defeated Noskova in both their tour-level encounters, including a three-set duel in Rome’s third round in 2024.
“She’s a tough opponent. Quick on her feet,” Zheng commented on her upcoming match. “I need to confer with my team. She’ll be a formidable opponent. My performance largely hinges on my recovery. I’m optimistic about improving and receiving continued fan support,” she added about her anticipation for their meeting.
