Zheng Qinwen fuels China's tennis boom, driving record ticket sales for 2024 China Open

(ECNS) -- The 2024 China Open tennis tournament, which just finished, set new records in ticket revenue and fan attendance, largely due to the historic victory of Chinese tennis player Zheng Qinwen, who clinched China's first-ever Olympic tennis singles gold medal at the Paris Olympic earlier this summer.

Data shows that the ticket sales for the 2024 China Open surpassed 80 million yuan (about $11.31 million), exceeded the total revenue of last season. During the first two days of this competition, ticket sales revenue doubled compared to the same period last year.

Zheng faced American Amanda Anisimova, drawing an impressive crowd of 29,000, which was at full capacity.

Zhang Junhui, the tournament director of the China Open, said Zheng’s historic tennis gold at the Paris Olympics has fueled China's tennis boom, while a strong lineup led by Zheng has increased this tournament’s visibilty. Many spectators around China came to Beijing specifically to watch Zheng’s game.

The Men's Singles final was held on Oct. 2 and on the same day. Chinese players like Buyunchaokete also performed well, said Zhang adding that the matchup of Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner further contributed to the tournament’s popularity. 

Lars Graff, the joint tournament director, highlighted the appeal of the China Open to international players. Unlike other tournaments, players can visit local landmarks in Beijing and experience Chinese culture in addition to competitions during games, Graff said, adding that they have a strong interest in the China Open and Beijing.