Mertens has enjoyed an impressive run, but Zheng’s recent performances and the backing of the home crowd make her the favourite.
Zheng Bids To End Her Final Drought
- Qinwen Zheng is looking for her first final since 2024.
- She has a 3–5 record against Top 20 players this year.
- Mertens is currently on a six-match winning streak in tour-level semifinals.
- She has an 18–6 record against players outside the Top 50 in 2026.
HTH - Qinwen Zheng leads 1-0
| Year | Tournament | Round | Surface | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Charleston | R16 | Clay | Qinwen Zheng | 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 |
Zheng Matches Career-Best Beijing Result
Qinwen Zheng defeated Elina Svitolina in straight sets to secure her place in the semifinals in Beijing, winning 6-3, 7-6. She trailed by a break in the second set before fighting back to seal the victory in straight sets.
With this win, she matches her previous best result here in Beijing. Two years ago, she reached this stage but lost to Karolina Muchova in straight sets. This time, she will look to take another step forward.
Just a few months ago, she was ranked outside the top 150 after failing to defend her ranking points following her return from injury. However, quarterfinal appearances in Athens and at the US Open, coupled with her run this week, have brought her close to returning to the top 30.
This is also her best result of 2026, and she will now look to reach her first final since her career-best season in 2024.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | China |
| Age | Born 8 October 2002 |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| World Ranking | No. 54 |
| Career High | No. 4 (16 June 2025) |
| Elo Ranking | No. 22 |
| Tour-Level Titles | 4 |
Mertens Chases Maiden WTA 1000 Final After Swiatek Upset
Elise Mertens stunned Iga Swiatek in straight sets to reach the semifinals in Beijing, winning 7-6, 6-3. She won 87% of her first-serve points and never faced a break point during the match.
This is her third semifinal appearance at WTA 1000 level and her first since 2021. She previously reached this stage twice at this level, but both campaigns ended in defeat. She will now look to reach her maiden final at this level this week.
The 30-year-old struggled to produce deep runs early this year despite being one of the most consistent players in opening-round matches. However, she has turned things around in recent months by reaching the final in Monterrey, the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and the third round at the US Open.
With this run, she will return to the top 15 in the rankings next week. She is currently on a six-match winning streak in tour-level semifinals and has not lost at this stage since 2023.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Belgium |
| Age | Born 17 November 1995 |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| World Ranking | No. 19 |
| Career High | No. 12 (26 November 2018) |
| Elo Ranking | No. 20 |
| Tour-Level Titles | 10 |