Can Zheng Qinwen Continue Her Comeback at the China Open?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Zheng Qinwen makes a strong comeback after surgery.
- Iga Swiatek extends her unbeaten streak at the China Open.
- Zheng faces Linda Noskova in the next round.
- Swiatek aims for another title in Beijing.
- Both players showcase the high level of competition in women's tennis.
Beijing, Sep 27 (NationPress) China's tennis star Zheng Qinwen triumphed over Colombia's Emiliana Arango with a score of 6-3, 6-2 in the women's singles second round of the 2025 China Open on Saturday. This match marked Zheng's official return after a first-round bye and her recent surgery on her right elbow in July.
The Olympic champion, aged 22, had withdrawn from several tournaments, including the US Open and the Billie Jean King Cup, following her procedure but made her much-anticipated comeback at the China Open.
As the 7th seed, Zheng started strong with an ace and secured the first set 6-3. Dominating the second set, she limited Arango's opportunities and clinched victory with a 6-2 score, as reported by Xinhua.
"I have recovered almost 80 percent, but the remaining 20 percent will be the toughest part," Zheng stated. "I look forward to performing better in my next match and progressing step by step," she added on Saturday.
In the upcoming third round, Zheng will face Linda Noskova from the Czech Republic.
On the other hand, world No.2 Iga Swiatek from Poland kicked off her campaign with an impressive win over local player Yuan Yue, beating her 6-0, 6-3 in the women’s singles second round, further extending her unbeaten streak at the National Tennis Centre.
Swiatek, aged 24, was unchallenged in the first set, winning all six games with three breaks to showcase her baseline superiority. This victory continues her flawless record in Beijing, having won the tournament during her debut in 2023.
Yuan, 25 and ranked No. 58, offered stronger resistance in the second set, breaking serve to lead 1-0. However, the top seed quickly regained control, winning three consecutive games for a 3-1 advantage.
The local favorite fought hard to hold serve in the sixth and eighth games, saving multiple break points and delighting the audience with a clever drop shot. Nevertheless, Swiatek maintained her dominance, finishing the set 6-3 with powerful serves.
With a remarkable 2025 season, highlighted by her Wimbledon title where she defeated Amanda Anisimova with two 6-0 sets, and her recent victory at the Korea Open, Swiatek aims for another title in the Chinese capital despite only making her second appearance at the China Open. Next, she will face Camila Osorio from Colombia, who defeated the 28th seed Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 to progress to the round of 32.
Earlier, on the same court, fourth seed Mirra Andreeva easily defeated China's Zhu Lin with a score of 6-2, 6-2.