The China Open kicks off this week, and one of the biggest names on the WTA Tour is entering the event riding a big wave. What she does in Beijing could be huge given her most recent achievement, but it will be a big test all the same, as the usual big names will also be participating.
Mirra Andreeva, who won her first Grand Slam of her impressive young tennis career at the French Open earlier this year, has had one of her most successful years. Andreeva not only won the French Open but also collected two more singles titles, bringing her total to three for the year.
While 2026 has been a success, Andreeva has also faced disappointment with a few early exits in other tournaments. The most recent event, however, was a quarterfinal loss to Canadian Leylah Fernandez; it didn't earn her a title, but it did earn her significant recognition in another way.
Mira Andreeva's new WTA ranking jumps up after Singapore run
With her quarterfinals run in Singapore behind her, Andreeva now turns her attention to Beijing as the Asian swing continues. It was an unfortunate loss to Fernandez, who beat Andreeva in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, before going on to win the event, claiming her first title of the year, but her sixth overall.
Like Fernandez, Andreeva is a huge up-and-comer on the WTA Tour, and her breakthrough at Roland Garros this year solidified it. She's one of the most exciting and talented young stars in tennis today, and her run in Singapore and her ranking show it.
Heading into the China Open, Andreeva will officially be ranked 4th in the world, up from 5th thanks to how far she got in Singapore. This is Andreeva's career-best ranking, after jumping to 5th in the world earlier this year.
Ranking boost aside, nothing will come easier in Beijing, as Andreeva faces not only Fernandez as a potential opponent but also Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Elina Svitolina, among others.
It's a crowded tournament, so while the jump in rankings is certainly something to celebrate, Andreeva likely knows that what happens in Beijing could change things fast. She's proven she can beat top players, but she hasn't made a final or a semifinal since the French Open.
Maybe moving up in the rankings will give her a boost. In any case, a strong showing in Beijing will be the perfect follow-up to the rankings update. It's been up and down since Roland Garros, so Andreeva will look to finish the last leg of the tennis season strong.
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