The highly anticipated WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing has kicked off, with top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula leading the charge. As the penultimate event of the season, this tournament holds significant importance for players vying to secure spots in the WTA Finals.
Sabalenka Aims for No.1 Spot
Fresh off her second major title of the year at the US Open, World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka enters the draw as the top seed, having her eyes set on closing the gap with World No.1 Iga Swiatek, who withdrew from the tournament citing personal reasons. Sabalenka will face either a qualifier or lucky loser in the first round, with her focus on securing the No.1 spot in the WTA rankings by the end of the season.
Exciting Matchups in the Second Quarter
In the second quarter of the draw, World No.5 Jasmine Paolini and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen headline. Zheng, playing her first tournament on home soil this year, was set for a potential second-round clash with 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, but Raducanu’s withdrawal has changed the dynamics of this section. Zheng is currently fighting to secure her first-ever WTA Finals spot, trailing the No.8 spot by 108 points.
Gauff and Ostapenko Anchor the Third Quarter
Coco Gauff, seeded No.6, returns to action after her US Open run, while No.13 seed Jelena Ostapenko poses a significant threat. Gauff will face either Clara Burel or Caroline Dolehide in the second round. Meanwhile, 2019 Beijing champion Naomi Osaka makes her comeback, facing Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti in the first round.
Pegula Leads the Final Quarter
Jessica Pegula, seeded No.2, is poised to make a strong showing in the final quarter. Coming off her first major final at the US Open, Pegula will meet either Diane Parry or a lucky loser in her opening match. With her place in the WTA Finals nearly secured, Pegula aims to close out the season on a high note.
The Beijing tournament promises to deliver thrilling matches as players fight for crucial ranking points and a spot in the season-ending WTA Finals.
