Preview WTA China Open semifinals | Mirra Andreeva and Zheng Qinwen lead the charge for a place in the final

The 2026 China Open semifinals will feature two contrasting matchups as Mirra Andreeva takes on Nikola Bartunkova and home favourite Zheng Qinwen faces Elise Mertens in Beijing.

The WTA 1000 tournament, played on outdoor hard courts, has produced an unexpected final four, with Bartunkova and Mertens eliminating major contenders to reach this stage. Andreeva remains the highest-ranked player left in the draw, while Zheng is attempting to turn her late-season resurgence into a run to the final in front of her home crowd.

Andreeva is chasing another milestone in her rise, with a potential move into the world’s top three at stake. Bartunkova, meanwhile, is bidding to reach her first WTA Tour final after defeating Aryna Sabalenka and Karolina Muchova.

In the other semifinal, Zheng’s recent improvement will be tested by Mertens, who defeated Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek in consecutive rounds to reach her first WTA 1000 semifinal since 2021. Both matches offer the opportunity for a breakthrough, but the challengers have already shown they can trouble established names.

Andreeva enters the semifinal ranked No. 5 in the WTA rankings, with her live ranking at No. 4. The 19-year-old has won eight consecutive sets after dropping the opening set of her tournament. Her quarterfinal against Ekaterina Alexandrova was more complicated, however, as she needed two tiebreaks to secure a 7-6(4), 7-6(3) victory. Andreeva recovered from difficult positions in both sets to record her first win over Alexandrova in three meetings.

Bartunkova presents a different challenge. The 20-year-old Czech has eliminated Sabalenka and Muchova in straight sets, establishing herself as the tournament's biggest surprise. Her 6-3, 6-0 quarterfinal victory over Muchova lasted just 67 minutes, with Bartunkova using variety, touch and aggressive returning to prevent her compatriot from establishing control. Ranked No. 34 in the WTA Rankings and projected to climb to No. 28, she has already secured a substantial ranking breakthrough.

The tactical question is whether Bartunkova can disrupt Andreeva in the same way. The Russian has greater experience at the biggest stages and a stronger record of consistency across a full season. However, her quarterfinal showed that opponents can put her under pressure even when she appears in control. Bartunkova's ability to take the ball early, vary the pace and attack returning opportunities could make the match uncomfortable if Andreeva cannot dictate baseline exchanges.

Their previous meeting at the 2026 US Open offers a useful reference point. Andreeva won 6-2, 7-6(5), although the Russian acknowledged that the match had included several ups and downs. Andreeva remains the favourite, but Bartunkova's results in Beijing make this a genuine test. A victory would send the Czech into her first WTA Tour final, while Andreeva could move into the top three for the first time if the ranking calculations fall in her favour.

Zheng arrives in the semifinal following a strong late-season resurgence. Ranked No. 54 in the supplied rankings, with a projected live ranking of No. 35, the Chinese player has won 12 of her last 13 matches. Her run to the US Open quarterfinals as a qualifier marked an important turning point, and she has continued that momentum in Beijing.

Her quarterfinal against sixth seed Elina Svitolina was her most straightforward victory of the tournament, a 6-3, 7-6(6) win that showcased her ability to handle pressure in decisive moments.

Mertens, meanwhile, has put together her strongest China Open campaign. The Belgian is ranked No. 19 in the supplied rankings and projected to rise to No. 14. She defeated Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-3 before ending Swiatek's campaign with a 7-6(0), 6-3 victory.

It was her first win over the former world No. 1, and she produced an especially efficient serving performance, winning 87% of her first-serve points without allowing Swiatek a break-point opportunity.

The matchup pits Zheng's explosive baseline game against Mertens' consistency, movement and tactical discipline. Zheng will look to dictate with her serve and forehand, particularly in front of the home crowd, while Mertens will aim to extend rallies, redirect pace and exploit any lapses in Zheng's shot selection. The Belgian's recent performances show that she can neutralise aggressive opponents, but sustaining that level against Zheng will require another precise display.

Their only previous meeting took place in Charleston in 2025, when Zheng won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. That result gives the Chinese player a narrow head-to-head advantage, but Mertens arrives with considerable momentum after two consecutive wins over Grand Slam champions.

Zheng has the home-court advantage and the stronger recent overall record, while Mertens has demonstrated that her game can trouble elite opposition. Reaching the final would be a major milestone for either player, particularly as neither has won a WTA 1000 singles title.