China Open 2025 Women’s Preview: Draw Breakdown, Star Contenders, and Quarter Projections

Further down the section, Jessica Pegula, the fifth seed, anchors the bottom half. She could face Emma Raducanu as early as the third round, with the winner potentially earning a blockbuster showdown against Naomi Osaka. That mini-section alone could decide the complexion of the bottom half of this quarter.

Emma Navarro, the 16th seed, has not been in the best form this season, and she will need to be sharp early against the winner of Rebecca Sramkova vs Elena-Gabriela Ruse, both of whom could cause trouble. Liudmila Samsonova and Marta Kostyuk also linger as potential spoilers.

Upset Potential: Navarro against Ruse or Sramkova in the second round.
Quarter Projection: Swiatek def. Pegula.

Second Quarter: Andreeva Leads but Zheng and Mboko Add Intrigue

Fourth seed Mirra Andreeva sits at the top of this section, but she is far from a lock to advance. The young Russian, who has not been in the form many expected, faces a crowded quarter that includes Clara Tauson, Daria Kasatkina, and Victoria Mboko.

For the home crowd, the focus will be on Zheng. Returning after more than two months out with an elbow injury, the seventh seed will need to hit the ground running as she could face power hitters Linda Noskova and Clara Tauson early on.

Meanwhile, Diana Shnaider could be tested early against Australian Maya Joint in the second round. Other matches to circle include Alycia Parks vs Sonay Kartal in the first round and Mboko vs Anastasia Potapova in the second round.

Upset Potential: Shnaider against Joint in the second round.
Quarter Projection: Mboko def. Andreeva.

Third Quarter: Anisimova the Favorite, Kudermetova and Muchova Lurk

Amanda Anisimova, the in-form third seed, leads this quarter and will be aiming to back up her strong results from earlier in the season. On paper, she has the weapons to control this section, but there are plenty of names that can trouble her before the quarterfinals.

Jasmine Paolini leads the opposite side of the draw; however, she could be tested by either Sofia Kenin or Veronika Kudermetova. Furthermore, Karolina Muchova is another name to watch, with a possible second-round clash against Sorana Cirstea shaping up as a tight battle.

Beyond the seeds, Paula Badosa and Xinyu Wang provide depth to the section. In particular, several first-round matches will catch the eye. Katie Boulter vs Hailey Baptiste looks like one of the more even openers, while Caty McNally vs Laura Siegemund promises a tactical contrast.

Upset Potential: Kenin against Polina Kudermetova.
Quarter Projection: Anisimova def. Veronika Kudermetova.

Fourth Quarter: Gauff Leads, Rybakina Sets Up Blockbuster Showdown

Gauff, the second seed, is the headline act in the final quarter and the defending champion from last year. Her athleticism and ability to problem-solve on hard courts make her one of the favorites in every tournament she plays, despite recent serving woes.

On the opposite side, Elena Rybakina brings her huge serve and flat hitting to Beijing. If she finds rhythm, she is capable of powering through her section, though players like Ekaterina Alexandrova and Elise Mertens may stand in her way before a projected meeting with Gauff.

Intriguing early matches include Siegemund vs McNally in the first round, Barbora Krejcikova vs Anna Blinkova in the first round, and Leylah Fernandez vs Maria Sakkari in the second round.

Upset Potential: Krejcikova against Alexandrova in the second round.
Quarter Projection: Gauff def. Rybakina.

The 2025 WTA China Open draw is stacked with storylines. Swiatek remains the favorite from the top half, while Gauff anchors the bottom with Rybakina waiting for a potential showdown. Mboko and Zheng add intriguing storylines, while Anisimova looks primed to continue her resurgence.

With Osaka back, Raducanu looking for momentum, and multiple dangerous unseeded players in the field, Beijing has all the ingredients for one of the most exciting weeks of the WTA season.