WTA Guangzhou: Wang Xiyu and Wang Yafan start strong, Zhang Shuai and Guo Hanyu compete today

On October 20, the 2025 Guangzhou International Women's Tennis Open held the final round of qualifiers and the first round of the main draw, where Chinese players Wang Xiyu and Wang Yafan successfully advanced past the first round; on October 21, the tournament continues with first-round matches featuring Chinese stars Zhang Shuai, Guo Hanyu, and New Zealand's Lulu Sun.

Wang Xiyu

In the first round of the women's singles, Chinese player and 2023 champion Wang Xiyu was in great form, defeating the 7th seed Jones 6-4, 6-4, marking her third consecutive year advancing past the first round in Nansha. "Guangzhou has definitely become a lucky venue for me, as I come here every year and manage to win several matches. It’s a very positive development for me," Wang Xiyu said after her victory. "I feel honored to compete here annually."

In the second round, Wang Xiyu will face Italian player Cocciaretto, who beat French player Parry 6-4, 6-7(7), 6-2. Another highlight of the first round saw El Harivitz, who recently won back-to-back WTA125 titles in Changsha and Huzhou, battle through three sets to eliminate the 3rd seed Maria 6-4, 6-7(7), 6-2.

Wang Yafan

In the final match on the center court, Wang Yafan defeated Lasimova 6-2, 6-4 to reach the second round, where she will face the winner between Bosas Manero and Lulu Sun. After the match, she said, "At my age, injuries are more frequent, so I hope to stay healthy on the court. I’ve lost many matches recently, but I appreciate everyone’s encouragement and support. I hope to improve moving forward."

With all final qualifying matches completed, Lulu Sun, Wolyniec, Liu Jingwen, Juvan, Korneeva, and Kava have successfully entered the main draw, while Kasinseva and Rajaoa joined as lucky losers. New Zealand’s Lulu Sun, who reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year by defeating Zheng Qinwen and Zhu Lin, showed excellent form by beating Rajaoa 6-2, 6-2 to qualify. "I want to gather more points for the Australian Open next year, and I feel I’ve played well these past weeks in Asia," she said.

Lulu Sun

Playing in Nansha for the first time, Lulu Sun noted that the court speed is quite fast, which suits her playing style perfectly. "Because I can hit the ball faster with both my backhand and forehand." Having competed in China for several weeks, Lulu Sun also thanked Chinese fans in Chinese: "I feel like I’m at home. Every time I hear their cheers, I feel very touched and grateful." In the first round of the main draw, Lulu Sun will face top seed Bosas Manero in the second match on Court 2 on the 21st.

On the 21st, several other Chinese players will compete. 2023 doubles champion Guo Hanyu will face Hungarian player Bondar, marking their first meeting. Two-time champion Zhang Shuai will play against Zakharova; their only previous encounter was in the first round of this year’s China Open, where Zhang came back to win in three sets. Both matches will take place on the center court. Zheng Wushuang/Pripujeho will also play in the first round of doubles against Laksimova/Polina Kudermetova.

Other notable matchups include: 4th seed Iera versus American Liu Jingwen; three-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist Tomljanovic against 5th seed and American star Parks; Colombian Osorio facing Italian player Bronzetti; and 6th seed Putintseva against qualifier Korneeva.

Today’s schedule

(Photos and text provided by the tournament)