Tennis anyone? Everything you need to know about the China Open

Your crash course to the 2018 China Open here in Beijing

Returning for its twenty-second year (nineteenth for men), the 2018 China Open sees the world's top tennis players convene on Beijing during the first week of October, and you could say it's kind of a big deal – it's officially recognised by pro tennis' organising bodies as a WTA Premier Mandatory tournament (women's circuit) and an ATP World Tour 500 event (men's), with roughly 10 million USD in total prize money up for grabs. Read on for all you need to know about this year's tournament.

Grigor Dimitrov. Image: Keith Allison via Flickr

When is it?

This year's China Open officially takes place from September 23 to October 7, however the first half of that is allocated for juniors and qualifying matches, with the senior tournament not actually kicking off until Monday 1 October.

Where is it?

Both the men's and women's events will be held at the National Tennis Center in Beijing.

Who's playing?

60 players round out this year's women's tournament, including Naomi Osaka (fresh off her dramatic US Open win), world number one Simona Halep, Grand Slam-winners Caroline Wozniacki (2) and Angelique Kerber (3), Chinese hopeful Zhang Shuai (34) and defending China Open champion Caroline Garcia (4).

Unfortunately, 23-time Grand Slam winner (and all-round legend) Serena Williams has withdrawn from this year's China Open, officially ending her 2018 season after her controversial defeat against Naomi Osaka earlier this month. Other withdrawals include Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova and Agnieszka Radwańska.

Naomi Osaka. Image: Peter Menzel via Flickr

For the men's tournament, both Rafael Nadal (1) and Roger Federer (2) won't be competing at this year's China Open, with Nadal citing an old injury and Federer opting to instead prioritise this year's Shanghai Masters (Oct 6). At the time of writing, Novak Djokovic (3) is reportedly considering accepting a wild card from China Open organisers, which could see him return to number one in the rankings if he receives more than 1,215 points at Beijing and Shanghai (winning both events gives a player 1,500 points). Confirmed men's players include Juan Martín del Potro (4), Alexander Zverev (5), Grigor Dimitrov (7) and former world number one – and 2016 China Open winner – Andy Murray (311).

Where can I purchase tickets?

Tickets can be purchased off the China Open website, with prices starting at 30RMB. 

For more great things to do in Beijing, hit 'Read more'.

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