Stars To Watch at the 2025 China Tennis Open
Beijing – The National Tennis Center is set to become the epicenter of the tennis world as the China Open officially unveils its star-studded player entry list for the 2025 championship. From September 14 to October 5, the tournament will welcome a breathtaking collection of talent, featuring 14 Grand Slam champions and five current or former world No. 1 players. This year’s event promises to be a showcase of elite tennis, drawing in a crowd of passionate sports fans.
Men’s Draw Stacked with Top-10 Talent
As the premier combined men’s and women’s tournament in Asia, the 2025 China Open boasts a formidable men’s singles field. Five players from the ATP’s top 10 are confirmed to compete, led by 2023 China Open champion and current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Sinner will be joined by fellow top-10 players Alexander Zverev (No. 3), Alex de Minaur (No. 8), Karen Khachanov (No. 9), and Lorenzo Musetti (No. 10). The competition will be further intensified by the presence of other top-tier players, including major winner and former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, as well as Masters 1000 champions Andrey Rublev and rising star Jakub Mensik.
Women’s Singles Features 12 Grand Slam Champions
The women’s singles draw is equally compelling, featuring an impressive 76 direct acceptances. The field is a veritable who’s who of tennis royalty, including 12 Grand Slam champions. Among the illustrious names are current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and fellow former No. 1s Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka. The list also includes Grand Slam winners Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, Elena Rybakina, Jeļena Ostapenko, Sofia Kenin, Emma Raducanu, Marketa Vondrousova, Barbora Krejcikova, and Bianca Andreescu.
This year’s women’s tournament, which has been expanded to a 96-player draw, presents a unique challenge for competitors. A non-seeded player must win seven consecutive matches to clinch the title, a feat on par with the demands of a Grand Slam tournament. The China Open is the final WTA 1000 event of the season, making it a crucial battleground for players seeking to secure their spot in the WTA Finals. With Sabalenka and Swiatek already qualified, players like Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, and Mirra Andreeva will be vying for critical points to secure their place in the prestigious year-end event.
On the domestic front, Chinese tennis will be well-represented by Olympic Singles Gold Medallist from the Paris Games, Zheng Qinwen, along with Wang Xinyu and Wang Yafan, who have all secured direct entry based on their rankings.
Venue Upgrades Enhance Fan Experience
To accommodate the influx of world-class talent and passionate fans, the National Tennis Center has undergone a comprehensive upgrade for the 2025 championship. The South Plaza has been transformed into a high-efficiency hub, offering new direct routes to key areas, including the Main Complex, Capital Diamond Court, and Lotus Court.
For an enhanced and interactive experience, five new international-standard practice courts have been added on the west side, along with a special “Signature Zone” designed to facilitate close interaction between fans and players. The east side of the venue will feature a new clay-themed garden viewing area. Additionally, the “China Open Ring” and the area around the Brad Drewett Court will be improved with new leisure spots, creating a more relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.
These venue enhancements have resulted in an expansion of nearly 15,000 square meters of additional space, significantly increasing capacity and convenience for attendees. Inside the Diamond Court, all box seats have been upgraded with a sleek “China Open Blue” finish, and a major sound system overhaul promises a crystal-clear and immersive auditory experience for every match.
