China's tennis star Zheng Qinwen eased past 71st-ranked Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia with 6-1, 6-1 in the second round at the China Open on Saturday. The match attracted over 12,000 fans in the 15,000-capacity Diamond Court at the National Tennis Center in Beijing. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen eased past 71st-ranked Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia with 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of a highly anticipated match at the China Open on Saturday.

The match attracted more than 12,000 fans to the 15,000-capacity Diamond Court at the National Tennis Center in Beijing. 

Making her debut at this year's China Open thanks to a first-round bye as the fifth seed, Zheng said she was satisfied with her performance on Saturday after suffering frustrations since the US Open. 

Speaking of the large crowd at the China Open, Zheng said she was happy but has to keep a balanced mindset.

"I was surprised to see so many fans at the venue today, and I really appreciate everyone's support," Zheng told the Global Times. "I approach everything with a more balanced mindset now, especially during matches."

Thanks to her Olympic gold medal win, along with an Olympic mixed  doubles silver medal by Zhang Zhizhen and Wang Xinyu, tennis' popularity in China has quickly risen back to prominent level. "I'm really happy to see tennis gaining popularity in China. Both our men's and women's players are making steady progress, with more of us breaking into the world top 100. 

"I've always believed that Chinese tennis will rise to the top of the world. I'm confident that Chinese players can compete on the global stage and secure their place among the best from the world in the future."

Saturday's match was only Zheng's second appearance in the tournament after a surprising first-round exit in 2023. Zheng is currently ranked No.7 in the world, going up from world No.23 at this time same time in 2023. Zheng will take on 25th seed Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine in the third round. 

Zheng has expressed a desire to shift her focus away from the overwhelming glow of her Olympic gold medal in the women's singles and instead focus on her WTA Tour events.