The opening quarter of the China Open draw delivered both routine wins and tense battles. Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu, and Jessica Pegula advanced directly into the Round of 32 with byes, anchoring what looks like the tournament’s toughest section.
Swiatek Leads the Charge in Beijing
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek opened her China Open 2025 campaign with a first-round bye, advancing directly to the Round of 32. The top seed is seeking to build on her strong hard-court form and further extend her dominance in Beijing. With a balanced mix of byes and early wins, this first quarter of the WTA draw has already emerged as one of the most competitive sections.
Osaka Back in Focus
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka also progressed without stepping on court, benefitting from a Round of 64 bye. Osaka remains one of the headline attractions in Beijing, where fans are eager to see her test herself against elite opposition. With Swiatek and Osaka in the same quarter, fans can already circle potential blockbuster clashes in the later rounds. First stop for Osaka will be Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
Raducanu and Pegula Strengthen the Field
Emma Raducanu (GBR) and Jessica Pegula (USA) likewise advanced through byes, ensuring that four major names are safely into the next round. Pegula, known for her steady baseline game, and Raducanu, a former US Open champion, give this quarter added depth and star power. Both players will face relatively tough second-round tests: Raducanu is matched up against Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, while Pegula meets Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic.
Yuan Yue Gives China Its First Spark
Local favorite Yuan Yue thrilled home supporters with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 win over Yulia Putintseva. Her aggressive hitting and calm shot selection set the tone for a strong Chinese presence in the tournament. Yuan’s advance means fans will have plenty to cheer, as the draw now leads her straight into Iga Swiatek’s path.
Osorio and Boisson Edge Three-Set Battles
In two of the most tightly contested matches, Camila Osorio battled past Ann Li 5-7, 7-6, 7-5 in a marathon duel, while France’s Lois Boisson outlasted Dalma Galfi 7-6, 5-7, 6-2. Both showcased endurance and mental toughness, proving that lower-ranked players can cause trouble in this star-studded quarter.
Ruse and Sasnovich Show Composure
Gabriela Ruse (ROU) advanced with a straightforward 6-2, 6-2 victory over Rebecca Sramkova, displaying sharp returns and efficient movement. Aliaksandra Sasnovich (WRL) had to work harder, recovering from a set down to defeat Indonesia’s Janice Tjen 6-7, 7-5, 6-1. Both now enter the second round with momentum.
Sasnovich vs Tjen – Full Match Stats
| Statistic | Sasnovich | Tjen |
|---|---|---|
| Dominance Ratio | 1.33 | 0.75 |
| Serve Rating | 285 | 249 |
| Aces | 2 | 9 |
| Double Faults | 4 | 7 |
| 1st Serve % | 62% (61/98) | 58% (66/113) |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 80% (49/61) | 67% (44/66) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 51% (19/37) | 49% (24/49) |
| Break Points Saved | 86% (6/7) | 60% (6/10) |
| Service Games | 94% (15/16) | 73% (11/15) |
| Ace % | 2% | 8% |
| Double Fault % | 4.1% | 6.2% |
| Return Rating | 151 | 89 |
| 1st Return Points Won | 33% (22/66) | 20% (12/61) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 51% (25/49) | 49% (18/37) |
| Break Points Won | 40% (4/10) | 14% (1/7) |
| Return Games | 27% (4/15) | 6% (1/16) |
| Pressure Points | 59% (10/17) | 41% (7/17) |
| Service Points | 69% (68/98) | 59% (67/113) |
| Return Points | 41% (46/113) | 31% (30/98) |
| Total Points | 54% (114/211) | 46% (97/211) |
| Match Points Saved | 0 | 0 |
| Max Points In A Row | 7 | 6 |
| Total Service Games | 94% (15/16) | 73% (11/15) |
| Total Return Games | 27% (4/15) | 6% (1/16) |
| Total Games | 61% (19/31) | 39% (12/31) |
| Max Games In A Row | 5 | 3 |
| Match Duration | 2h 32m | |
Upsets and Breakthroughs: Bucsa, Seidel and Tomljanovic
Spain’s Cristina Bucsa upset Donna Vekic 6-2, 6-4, using consistency to neutralize her opponent’s power. Rising German Ella Seidel also impressed, ousting Magdalena Fręch 7-5, 6-4 for one of the biggest wins of her career. Meanwhile, Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic handled the pressure well, defeating Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-6, 6-2.
A Quarter Packed with Firepower
With Swiatek, Osaka, Raducanu, Pegula, Samsonova, and Kalinskaya all in the top section, the China Open WTA draw promises blockbuster showdowns in the rounds ahead. Add in dangerous outsiders like Osorio, Tomljanovic, and China’s Yuan Yue, and the first quarter of the 2025 China Open main draw is shaping up as the most exciting road to the semifinals.