Organizers of the China Open announced at a closed press conference in Beijing that the event attracted a record number of spectators—over 450,000 people. During the conference, CGTN Sports Scene correspondent Zhu Mandan spoke with tournament director Lars Graff about players' opinions and potential improvements to the event.
Executive Deputy Director and Secretary General of the organizing committee, Chen Ze, reported that attendance increased by 25 percent compared to last year, and ticket revenue reached 132 million yuan (approximately 19 million dollars), which is 48 percent more.
The tournament featured 215 professional athletes from 40 countries and regions, including 34 Chinese participants. A total of 61 ATP matches and 162 WTA matches were held at the National Tennis Center.
Lars Graff noted the positive changes made to player services and infrastructure, which contributed to strengthening the tournament's reputation among top global athletes. New measures this season included an expanded players' area, modernized rehabilitation facilities, and improved transportation services.
The China Open concluded on Sunday with the historic victory of Zheng Qinwen, who defeated Mirra Andreeva from Russia 7-5, 6-4 in the final. This triumph made her the first Chinese athlete to win a singles title at this tournament. Zheng achieved this victory in one hour and 43 minutes, managing to save three games in the first set. This win marked her first WTA 1000 title and her sixth career singles trophy.
In the men's tournament, Novak Djokovic from Serbia returned to Beijing after an 11-year absence and won his seventh China Open title in the final, which took place on Tuesday. This extended his winning streak at the tournament to 34 matches. Furthermore, organizers highlighted the success of young Chinese players, who won three out of four titles at the ITF J300 tournament, indicating the development of a new generation of tennis players in the country.
