Seven in top 100: Chinese female stars ready to make a splash in tennis world

Chinese female players have long been accustomed to being the standout performers of the tennis world, but this time around, things are unfolding in a unique manner. As they gear up for the 2024 season and the prestigious Australian Open, their ambitions are soaring higher than ever before. For the first time in history, seven of these exceptional women have broken into the top 100 of the freshly unveiled WTA rankings. 

In the wake of a stellar performance at the recently concluded United Cup, Zheng Qinwen has catapulted to a career-high ranking of No. 13, earning a well-deserved spot among the cream of the crop. Accompanying her in the rankings is her compatriot Zhu Lin, who holds a commendable 33rd position.

Not far behind, Wang Xinyu has made an impressive ascent to claim the 34th spot, while Wang Xiyu has marched her way up to the 62nd position. Yuan Yue claims the 73rd position, Bai Zhuoxuan holds steady at 87th, and Wang Yafan rounds up the contingent at a respectable 97th. 

As the recipient of the WTA's Most Improved Player award for 2023, Zheng has proven to be the epitome of consistency among the seven. At just 21 years old, she made her mark by clinching her first title of last season at the Palermo Ladies Open. 

Building on her success, Zheng achieved another landmark by reaching the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open. Undeterred, she then continued her meteoric rise by securing a second title at the Zhengzhou Open.

Ending the season on a high note, Zheng displayed her strength of character by winning 12 out of her last 15 matches, culminating in a final appearance at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai. Notably, she stood out as the sole Chinese female player to claim two titles in 2023, and her 37 triumphs place her at the forefront of victories among her fellow countrywoman on the WTA Tour.

A late bloomer, Zhu also delivered sensational performances throughout 2023. The 29-year-old emerged victorious in the Thailand Open final by outclassing Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko, thus capturing her first-ever WTA Tour title. Following that feat, Zhu made a brilliant run at the Australian Open, reaching the round of 16 before eventually succumbing to the former Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka. 

Zhu continued to make waves in the second half of the year, securing a spot in the round of 32 at the U.S. Open and earning a runner-up finish at the Osaka Open. Moreover, she showcased her quality by making it to the semifinals in three other WTA tournaments: the Monterrey Open, the Birmingham Open, and the Cleveland Open.  

If we were to discuss the most impressive Chinese female prospect on the international stage in 2023, it would have to be Wang Xinyu. The 22-year-old sensation outshone her compatriots by making it to at least the second round in all four of last year's Grand Slam events. Furthermore, she formed a dynamic partnership with Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei, and together they lifted the coveted women's doubles trophy at the French Open. 

It's captivating to witness the increasing diversity of game styles among the Chinese female stars. From the powerful and aggressive shots of Zheng to the mesmerizing footwork and finesse of Zhu, they are revolutionizing the way they make their presence felt in the tennis world.

This newfound range of styles not only pushes the boundaries of the sport but also propels these phenomenal athletes to new heights. With such an exciting and innovative landscape, the future of Chinese tennis gleams brighter than ever before.