The China Open WTA is one of the biggest women’s tennis tournaments outside the Grand Slams, held annually in Beijing as a WTA 1000 event. With a massive draw, significant prize money, and ranking points equivalent to a Premier Mandatory tournament, it is a centrepiece of the Asian autumn swing on the women’s tour.
What is the China Open WTA?
The China Open is a WTA 1000 event (formerly Premier Mandatory), placing it in the highest tier of women’s tennis tournaments below the four Grand Slams. The event features a 64-player singles draw and a 32-team doubles draw, played on outdoor hard courts. Its mandatory status means all top-ranked players are required to enter, guaranteeing an elite field. The tournament also includes an ATP 500 men’s event running concurrently, making it one of the largest combined tennis events in Asia.
When is the China Open WTA?
The 2026 China Open WTA runs from 30 September to 11 October 2026. The extended schedule reflects the depth of the draw, with qualifying rounds and early matches filling the opening days before the knockout rounds intensify towards the second week.
Where is the China Open WTA held?
The tournament is held at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, part of the Olympic Green complex built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. The centre court, the Diamond Court, seats approximately 15,000 spectators and is one of the largest purpose-built tennis venues in Asia. The facility also includes several show courts and practice courts spread across the expansive grounds.
Key Contenders
As a mandatory event, the China Open attracts the full strength of the WTA Tour. Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff are perennial contenders at this level, while Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula have the hard-court pedigree to challenge for the title. The deep draw also provides opportunities for rising stars to make breakthroughs, with the two-week format rewarding consistency and physical endurance.
How to Watch
The China Open WTA is broadcast globally through WTA broadcast partners. In the UK, coverage is available on Sky Sports or Amazon Prime Video. The WTA’s streaming options and Tennis Channel (in the US) provide additional coverage. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV holds domestic rights, with extensive local media coverage.
History
The China Open was first held in 1993 and has grown enormously in stature, achieving WTA Premier Mandatory status (now WTA 1000) in 2009. The tournament has been won by some of the greatest names in women’s tennis, including Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Naomi Osaka. Its location in Beijing and the backing of Chinese tennis authorities have made it one of the most well-funded and professionally organised events on the WTA calendar. The growth of Chinese tennis, particularly following Li Na’s Grand Slam victories, has ensured strong local support.
Tickets
Tickets for the China Open are available through the tournament’s official website and Chinese ticketing platforms. Ground passes for early rounds offer excellent value, allowing access to outside courts where top players can be seen up close. Centre court tickets for the semi-finals and final are highly sought after and should be booked well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the China Open WTA a mandatory event?
Yes, the China Open holds WTA 1000 status, meaning all top-ranked players are required to enter unless they have a valid injury exemption. This guarantees a world-class field every year.
What surface is the China Open played on?
The tournament is played on outdoor hard courts, providing fast conditions that suit aggressive, power-oriented players.
How many ranking points does the China Open winner receive?
The singles champion earns 1,000 WTA ranking points, making it one of the most valuable tournaments on the calendar outside of the Grand Slams.
Is there a men’s tournament at the China Open too?
Yes, the China Open also hosts an ATP 500 men’s event at the same venue, running concurrently with the WTA 1000 women’s tournament.
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