Mirra Andreeva powered into the China Open final in Beijing on Saturday, dismissing Nikola Bartunkova in straight sets and setting herself up to reach a career-high World No. 3 in next week's rankings.
The 19-year-old No. 4 seed needed just one hour and 14 minutes to wrap up a 6-2, 6-2 semifinal win over the 26th-seeded Bartunkova, striking 16 winners against only 10 unforced errors. It is Andreeva's first final at the Beijing event and her fifth final of the 2026 season — a tally that puts her alongside Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula for the most final appearances on the tour this year.
Milestone win number 50
The victory was Andreeva's 50th of the season, drawing her level with Pegula for the most match wins on tour in 2026. It came a day after she secured her place in the season-ending WTA Finals.
Her improved return game did the damage on Saturday. Andreeva leads the WTA Tour in break points converted this season with 301 in main-draw matches, and she converted five of 10 opportunities against Bartunkova.
"I'm very happy and excited to be in the finals," Andreeva told reporters after the match. "I think I played very good today. I'm super happy with the way I was playing."
Mertens or Zheng awaits
Andreeva will face either 13th seed Elise Mertens or former World No. 4 Zheng Qinwen in Sunday's final. She holds a 1-0 record against Mertens but lost her only previous meeting with Zheng.
"I think no matter who's going to win, it's going to be tough," Andreeva said. "I think Elise, she beat two top-10 players in a row. She's also on a great winning streak. She's been playing great, as well."
Sources:
Andreeva advances to fifth final of 2026 in Beijing, set to become World No. 3 (WTA)
The 19-year-old No. 4 seed needed just one hour and 14 minutes to wrap up a 6-2, 6-2 semifinal win over the 26th-seeded Bartunkova, striking 16 winners against only 10 unforced errors. It is Andreeva's first final at the Beijing event and her fifth final of the 2026 season — a tally that puts her alongside Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula for the most final appearances on the tour this year.
Milestone win number 50
The victory was Andreeva's 50th of the season, drawing her level with Pegula for the most match wins on tour in 2026. It came a day after she secured her place in the season-ending WTA Finals.
Her improved return game did the damage on Saturday. Andreeva leads the WTA Tour in break points converted this season with 301 in main-draw matches, and she converted five of 10 opportunities against Bartunkova.
"I'm very happy and excited to be in the finals," Andreeva told reporters after the match. "I think I played very good today. I'm super happy with the way I was playing."
Mertens or Zheng awaits
Andreeva will face either 13th seed Elise Mertens or former World No. 4 Zheng Qinwen in Sunday's final. She holds a 1-0 record against Mertens but lost her only previous meeting with Zheng.
"I think no matter who's going to win, it's going to be tough," Andreeva said. "I think Elise, she beat two top-10 players in a row. She's also on a great winning streak. She's been playing great, as well."
Sources:
Andreeva advances to fifth final of 2026 in Beijing, set to become World No. 3 (WTA)
