China's Zheng Qinwen reaches China Open semifinals shortly after turning 24

Zheng Qinwen of China hits a return during the women's singles quarterfinal match between Zheng Qinwen of China and Elina Svitolina of Ukraine at 2026 China Open tennis tournament in Beijing, China, Oct. 9, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/Xie Han)

BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's Zheng Qinwen advanced to the women's singles semifinals of the China Open here on Friday, defeating sixth seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine 6-3, 7-6(6) on her first day after turning 24.

Playing her first top-10 opponent of the tournament, wildcard Zheng broke serve three times in the opening set. She claimed breaks in the first and seventh games, only to be broken herself while serving for the set at 5-3, before securing her third break in the ninth game to close it out 6-3.

Svitolina raised her level in the second set and broke Zheng in the seventh game to move 4-3 ahead, only for the Chinese to hit back immediately in the eighth. Both players held serve to force a tie-break, where Zheng trailed 0-2 before winning four straight points to lead 4-2. Svitolina drew level at 6-6, but Zheng sealed the win on her second match point at 8-6.

"She performed excellently in the second set. That tie-break was really so close. Both of us played at a really high level. Honestly speaking, I really wanted to win this match, so I felt nervous when I hit the balls," Zheng said.

Zheng, who spent her 24th birthday on Thursday, said, "I hope at 24 I can become more mature, and stay calm facing every single point on court. That is my own expectation for myself," she said.

The result sends Zheng into her second China Open semifinal, matching her best run at the event, and her first WTA 1000 semifinal this year.

Elina Svitolina of Ukraine hits a return during the women's singles quarterfinal match between Zheng Qinwen of China and Elina Svitolina of Ukraine at 2026 China Open tennis tournament in Beijing, China, Oct. 9, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/Xie Han)

Zheng Qinwen of China serves during the women's singles quarterfinal match between Zheng Qinwen of China and Elina Svitolina of Ukraine at 2026 China Open tennis tournament in Beijing, China, Oct. 9, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/Xie Han)

Zheng Qinwen of China celebrates scoring during the women's singles quarterfinal match between Zheng Qinwen of China and Elina Svitolina of Ukraine at 2026 China Open tennis tournament in Beijing, China, Oct. 9, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/Xie Han)