2025 Guangzhou Open kicks off with excitement

The first round of the 2025 Guangzhou Open concluded on Oct 21 at the Nansha International Tennis Center with exciting results. Two-time champion Zhang Shuai advanced to the round of 16, joining fellow Chinese players Wang Yafan and Wang Xiyu.

Zhang defeated Russia's Zakharova in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1, showing clear improvement since their previous encounter.

The 2023 champion, Wang Xiyu, motivates herself during the Oct 20 match. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

On the previous day, Wang Yafan overcame Russia's Rakhimova with a solid 6-2, 6-4 performance. Meanwhile, 2023 champion Wang Xiyu beat the seventh seed, Britain's Jones, with two 6-4 sets, marking her third consecutive first-round success in Guangzhou.

Chinese-born Wimbledon quarterfinalist Sun Lulu poses for a photo with the audience after her match. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

On Oct 22, the three Chinese players will compete for quarterfinal spots.

Wang Yafan will face Sun, while Wang Xiyu takes on the in-form Italian player Cocciaretto. Zhang Shuai will compete against Slovenia's Erjavec, who recently claimed titles in Changsha and Huzhou.

In doubles, Chinese pairs Tang Qianhui/Appleton and Wang Yafan/Osorio are also set to take the court.

The 2025 Guangzhou Open in Nansha district draws a large crowd of on-site spectators. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]