The 2024 China Open served up a blockbuster start at the National Tennis Center in Beijing. As the roof of the Diamond Court slowly retracted, fans were treated to a showcase that blended Olympic triumph, Grand Slam glory, and the promise of a thrilling tournament ahead.
Opening the ceremony were 2004 Athens Olympics women's doubles champions Li Ting and Sun Tiantian. They were joined by Grand Slam doubles winners Zheng Jie and Yan Zi, who teamed up for a historic exhibition match that had the crowd on its feet.
Next up, four of the Chinese mainland's top active players—Zhang Shuai, Wang Xinyu, Buyunchaokete, and Shang Juncheng—took to the court for a mixed doubles face-off, showing off the rising depth in the region's tennis talent.
The highlight arrived when 2024 Paris Olympics women's singles champion Zheng Qinwen stepped forward, rallying with a group of young hopefuls on center court. Their dynamic drills and celebratory high-fives set the tone for a week of competition that promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet.
With the exhibition wrapped up, all the players returned for a ceremonial opening point, officially launching the tournament. From Olympic heroes to next-gen stars, the China Open is ready to deliver non-stop action.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
