Zheng Qinwen hits a return during her women's singles round of 16 match against Amanda Anisimova at the 2024 China Open in Beijing, Oct. 2, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

The 2025 China Open unveiled a star-studded field on Wednesday as the lineup brings together 14 Grand Slam singles champions, among them five players who have held world No.1 rankings.

Hosted at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, this year's China Open stretches across three weeks, from September 14 through October 5, and incorporates a junior ITF event, a WTA 1000 event, and an ATP 500 tournament.

On the men's side, the announcement confirmed the participation of world No.1 Jannik Sinner, along with No.3 Alexander Zverev, No.13 Daniil Medvedev and other top names. 

Additional entrants in the men's main draw also include players ranked within the top 10, such as Alex de Minaur (No.8), Karen Khachanov (No.9), Lorenzo Musetti (No.10), Daniil Medvedev (No.13) and Andrey Rublev.

On the women's side, the spotlight shines brightly on Aryna Sabalenka, the world No.1. Defending champion Coco Gauff, currently ranked No.2, and Iga Swiatek, the 2023 China Open winner, are also slated to compete.

The tournament also boasts a dazzling field of Grand Slam champions not limited to the top-ranked women: Naomi Osaka, Elena Rybakina, Emma Raducanu, Barbora Krejcikova, Sloane Stephens, Sofia Kenin and others, bringing the total count to 14 Grand Slam singles champions and five players who have previously held the No.1 spot.

China's ambitions in tennis are mirrored by the ascent of its own talents. 

Zheng Qinwen, the Paris Olympic champion, currently holds a career-high ranking of No.4 as of June 2025. Since then she has skipped multiple events, including the US Open, after undergoing surgery in mid-July.

Alongside her, Wang Xinyu and Wang Yafan figure prominently, with their recent performances and ranking positioning earning them direct qualification. Their participation ensures that the home crowd will have local stars to rally behind, further fueling the atmosphere at the National Tennis Center.

The 2024 China Open saw Zheng reach the women's singles semifinals, while male player Bu Yunchaokete stunned two top-10 players to reach the men's singles semifinals - two results that thrilled domestic fans. 

The 2024 China Open drew nearly 300,000 fans, with ticket revenue breaking 80 million yuan ($11.1 million) - marking a new high for the event.

In a strategic move that ramps up the competitiveness of the women's draw, this edition continues with the 96-player main draw format, mirroring the changes first introduced in 2024 by the WTA. 

The expanded draw means that any unseeded player seeking the title will have to win seven consecutive matches, drawing comparisons to the rigors of Grand Slam tournaments.

As the final WTA 1000 event of the season, the China Open carries added significance for tennis players vying for a berth in the prestigious year-end WTA Finals. 

For men, the ATP 500 event also presents vital points and momentum ahead of the ATP Finals. 

Sinner, fresh off Grand Slam success and ranked No.1, will look to reinforce his dominance. Meanwhile, Medvedev, Zverev, Rublev and others are expected to push fiercely, making the men's draw one of the most balanced and hazardous of the season.

The National Tennis Center itself is undergoing an impressive facelift ahead of the tournament, organizers said Wednesday.

A new south-square passage promises direct access to the complex's landmark venues, such as the iconic Diamond Court. 

On the west side, five new courts built to international standards and a "Signature Zone" will offer fans unique opportunities to engage with the action. 

On the east, a garden-style clay court-themed viewing area will create an atmospheric viewing experience, while the "China Open Ring" and improved rest zones around Brad Drewett Court aim to upgrade the spectator experience. 

Notably, the sound system in the Diamond Court is receiving a major upgrade to ensure immersive, high-definition audio for fans,

Fan engagement is expected to be electric. Past editions of the China Open have consistently drawn high praise from attendees: one tennis fan forum lauded the quality of both the lineup and ticket pricing, noting that most outer-court matches featured top-tier talent and that the value was exceptional. 

The China Open will also start tennis' China swing, with the 11 tennis tournaments in China lasting until mid-November.