Andreeva Beats Alexandrova 7–6, 7–6 to Reach China Open Semifinals

Mirra Andreeva defeated compatriot Ekaterina Alexandrova 7–6 (7–4), 7–6 (7–3) in the quarterfinals of the WTA China Open in Beijing on October 8, advancing to the semifinals. The fourth-seeded Andreeva, ranked fifth in the world, will face Czech player Nikola Bartunkova in the next round. Alexandrova, ranked 28th and seeded 19th, had reached the quarterfinals for the first time in her career at age 31, making her the oldest player to reach a first quarterfinal at the China Open in tournament history.

Andreeva, 19, continues a strong 2026 season after winning the French Open in June, her first Grand Slam title. The victory over Alexandrova marked Andreeva's first win against her compatriot. Earlier in the tournament, Andreeva defeated unseeded Daria Snigur 6–2, 6–2 in the round of 16, recording 18 winners with only 15 unforced errors. She has now accumulated 48 wins this season, the most of her career, trailing only Jessica Pegula (50) and Elena Rybakina (49) in 2026 match victories.

Alexandrova, 31, achieved a milestone by reaching her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal, having previously won five WTA singles titles and claimed the Billie Jean King Cup with Russia in 2021. She reached the quarterfinals after defeating fifth-seeded Linda Noskova, the 2025 Wimbledon champion, 6–2, 6–2 without losing her serve. This victory marked Alexandrova's 22nd career win over a top-10 player.

The China Open quarterfinals also featured Zheng Qinwen (China, 54th) versus Elina Svitolina (Ukraine, 7th), and Elise Mertens (Belgium, 19th) versus Iga Świątek (Poland, 9th). The tournament is held on hard courts at the WTA 1000 level. The tournament winner will receive $1,151,380 in prize money and 1,000 ranking points, with the final scheduled for October 11.