China Open: Who to Watch

They’ve risen in ranks. They’ve upset top players. And they are making more money as a result. In the last few years, Chinese tennis players – in particular, the women – have climbed the ranks steadily to become a consistent presence at the Grand Slam events: the Australian, French and US Opens, and Wimbledon.

The closest thing China has to a Grand Slam event is this month’s China Open, which comes fast on the heels of the US Open, and is also attracting some of the sport’s biggest names (i.e. Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Dinara Safina and Serena Williams).

Unlike a Grand Slam, however, the China Open is not a top-tier tournament. It falls under the ATP World Tour 500 series, the third-highest level of competition. And while it still has a ways to go, increasing prize money is edging it closer to being on par with the majors; higher stakes attract high-caliber players, offering more opportunities to gain ranking points. This year’s purse has increased from USD 1.1 million in 2008 to USD 6.6 million for 2009.

No Chinese player has yet won the China Open. Home court advantage has so far counted for little. But which of China’s hopes has the best chance?

Li Na 李娜

Hometown: Wuhan, Hubei
Age: 27
Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Singles ranking: 19 (as of August 2009)

Li Na performed well in the most recent Grand Slam event, the US Open, when she made her second quarterfinal Grand Slam appearance (finally losing out to comeback kid Kim Clijsters).

She likes playing offense and attacking aggressively, wearing ink on her chest to prove it. With a powerful backhand, she has strength and power on her side. And unlike her compatriots, she does not play doubles.

Zheng Jie 郑洁

Hometown: Chengdu, Sichuan
Age: 26
Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Singles ranking: 22 (as of August 2009)

Li Na may have a one-two punch, but Zheng Jie can go the distance: Her smaller, leaner and more agile frame helped her become the first Chinese player to reach a Grand Slam singles semifinal (Wimbledon 2008).

And though she finds herself slightly chasing Li Na, who outshone her in last month’s US Open, her consistency – an improving singles career built on the foundation of a strong doubles record – puts momentum on her side.

Yan Zi 晏紫

Hometown: Chengdu, Sichuan
Age: 25
Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Singles ranking: N/A

With Zheng Jie, Yan shares six quarterfinal-or-better Grand Slam appearances, including wins in Australia and at Wimbledon (both in 2006). This doubles experience makes her fearless at the net.

But when compared to her success with doubles, Yan’s singles record slumps, with no real action in 2009 to speak of. Meanwhile, Zheng Jie’s singles career seems to be flourishing. Yan could use that chip on her shoulder as a motivator. Or she can just sink further into Zheng’s shadow.

Peng Shuai 彭帅

Hometown: Tianjin
Age: 23
Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Singles ranking: 44 (as of August 2009)

Younger but hungrier, and already a threat, Peng frequently takes top players to the brink. To elimination, even: Ana Ivanovic in 2008; Amelie Mauresmo in 2007; Justine Henin-Hardenne, Elena Dementieva and Dinara Safina in 2005.

There’s a reason why Clijsters once said Peng had the potential to be a Top 3 player. The past two years have been rather quiet for her on the singles front, but the beginning of 2009 marked a new apprenticeship under Tarik Benhabiles, who coached a young Andy Roddick.

The 2009 China Open takes place at the National Tennis Center from Oct 2-11. For schedule, visit www.chinaopen.com.cn.