No champion has defended their title in the last ten editions; how prestigious is the China Open championship?

As the concluding WTA1000 tournament on the professional tennis circuit annually, the China Open women's singles event has always drawn many elite competitors. Except for Sabalenka, who was absent due to injury, top-ranked women like Swiatek, Gauff, Anisimova, Andreescu, Pegula, Paolini, and Zheng Qinwen were all listed in this year's draw.

We can gauge the tournament’s star power by looking at the achievements of the champions over the past ten editions. So, who claimed the women's singles titles in these ten years? Let’s find out together!

#2012#

Azarenka

As the top seed, Azarenka won the China Open in 2012 during one of her best career seasons. On her way to the title, she defeated several top players including Lisicki, Bartoli, and Sharapova.

#2013#

Serena Williams

The 2013 women's singles champion was also the tournament’s top seed. American star Serena Williams reached the final and defeated Jankovic to claim the title, while defending champion Azarenka suffered an early upset, losing in the first round to Petkovic.

#2014#

Sharapova

In 2014, Serena Williams returned to defend her title but had to withdraw before her quarterfinal match against Stosur. That year, the championship was won by Russian star Sharapova.

#2015#

Muguruza

Muguruza’s 2015 victory surprised many fans; on her way to the trophy, she defeated strong opponents like A. Radwanska and beat Bacsinszky in the final.

#2016#

A. Radwanska

A unique figure in women’s tennis, A. Radwanska also lifted the China Open trophy. In 2016, seeded third, she reached the final and won in straight sets against the outstanding British player Konta.

#2017#

Garcia

Garcia’s 2017 China Open women’s singles title was equally surprising. Unseeded, she defeated players such as Cornet, Svitolina, Kvitova, and Halep on her way to the championship, making the title highly valuable.

The women’s singles champions in 2018 and 2019 were Wozniacki and Osaka respectively; the tournament was then paused due to the pandemic and other reasons. After resuming in 2023, Swiatek won the title that year, and last year it was claimed by American player Gauff.

From this list of champions, it is clear that most women who have won the China Open singles title are Grand Slam winners. Although Garcia and A. Radwanska have not won a Grand Slam, they have both claimed titles at prestigious events like the WTA Finals.

So, who do you think will lift the China Open women's singles trophy this year?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Barbie)