This Week in Tennis: Zheng Makes History With…

Welcome to This Week in Tennis, where we catch up on all the latest and biggest stories from the ATP and WTA Tours.

Zheng Back On Top

Qinwen Zheng is a winner on the WTA Tour once again.

After a long injury layoff, the former world No. 4 has found her form, upsetting reigning Roland-Garros champion Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-4 to win the China Open.

Zheng made history as the first Chinese woman to win the title in Beijing while also capturing the first WTA 1000 title of her career. It was Zheng’s first title since winning Tokyo in 2024. Having fallen to a rank of No. 160 earlier this season after elbow surgery, the 2024 Olympic Gold medalist jumps back into the Top 30 up to No. 23, after winning the sixth title of her career.

"Finally after many losses, I find my fire again," Zheng said. "Tennis is not just about hitting the balls, it's also about how much you want to win. I am just so grateful that I found the inside fire back. Right now, I'm trying to reach the best version of myself.”

Zheng made an impressive run to the title, racking up a pair of Top 10 wins over Andreeva and Elina Svitolina and saved her best tennis for the big stage, as she did not drop a set in any of her final three matches.

Djokovic, Alcaraz Pick up 500-level Titles in Asia

Novak Djokovic continues to inch closer to Roger Federer in the all-time record books.

The 39-year-old Djokovic won his first title of the season in Beijing, defeating Alex de Minaur in the final to claim the ATP 500 event. It was the 102nd title of his career, just one behind Federer’s mark of 103 and seven behind Jimmy Connors’ Open Era record of 109.

With his win in Beijing, Djokovic also became the first man to win a tour-level title in 21 consecutive seasons.

Carlos Alcaraz also picked up a title last week, defeating Jiri Lehecka to successfully defend his title in Tokyo.

Alcaraz missed four months this season due to a wrist injury, forcing him to withdraw from Roland-Garros and Wimbledon before he made his return at the US Open. Tokyo was just his second event since returning.

The world No. 3 has already qualified for the ATP Finals, but has now leapfrogged Ben Shelton for third in the live race with his performance in Tokyo.

However, neither 500 titlist had success at the Masters 1000 event in Shanghai, which began late last week. Djokovic dropped his opening match to Hubert Hurkacz, while Alcaraz was upset by Zizou Bergs in round three.