History in a Champion’s Hands

The 2026 China Open is still unfolding, but its trophies already await their next champions.

Known as the China Cup, these trophies have shared the spotlight with some of tennis’s biggest names.

From Novak Djokovic’s trophy kiss after his sixth title in 2015 to Coco Gauff’s celebratory twirl after her first in 2024, the China Cup has been lifted by many tennis’s biggest stars.

The designs give these moments of celebration a distinctly Chinese character. Beijing's trophies draw on ancient Chinese ceremonial vessels, incorporating dragons, phoenixes and intricate traditional patterns into the prizes lifted by the champions.

The women's singles trophy draws on the Zilong Ding, a bronze ritual vessel in the National Museum of China. Its phoenix-shaped handles and elephant-head feet combine traditional motifs associated with beauty, strength and good fortune.

The men's singles trophy takes its shape from the Jin'ou Yonggu Cup, a Qing dynasty imperial vessel housed in the Palace Museum. Its raised dragon handles and wave-and-cliff patterns echo the imagery once found on imperial robes.

For doubles, the inspiration is the jue, an ancient ceremonial wine vessel. Two trophies raised together evoke a toast — a fitting image for partners sharing a victory.

The China Cup collection was introduced in 2009, when the tournament was upgraded and began staging its men’s and women’s events concurrently. It followed earlier designs including Wedgwood’s deep-blue bone china trophy, the Torch Trophy, the Crystal Trophy and the White Porcelain Trophy.

Now, the 2026 champions will have their own moment with the China Cup, adding another celebration to the history held in its handles.

by Zhao Yiwei, Liang Yanxi