From fluttering national flags in the stands, to Zheng Qinwen’s red outfit on court, the color red became a defining visual theme on the China Open’s National Day session, as tennis action coincided with the start of China’s National Day holiday.
Tennis enthusiast Li Gang attended the tournament with his son, and the pair wore matching red outfits as the boy waved a national flag in the stands.
“The atmosphere today is really lively. Everyone is excited,” Li said.
Falling on the first day of the National Day holiday, the China Open offered fans more than just matches to watch. Their cheers and reactions became part of the tournament atmosphere itself.
One of the day’s most-anticipated showdowns unfolded at Diamond Court between home grown talents Zheng Qinwen and 21-year-old qualifier Shi Han.
As the two Chinese athletes traded blows, wave-upon-wave of applause and cheers rang out across the stadium, with crowds rallying behind both competitors.
Following the contest, Shi Han offered her National Day greetings.
“First of all, happy birthday to our motherland,” Shi said straight after the match.
“This being the first day of the holiday, the stands are packed. You can truly feel how special the tournament atmosphere is. Fans keep cheering you on throughout play. I am thrilled to compete on Diamond Court, and this experience has given me tremendous encouragement.”
Match winner Zheng Qinwen also soaked in the unique energy generated by the crowd. Dressed in her striking red competition outfit, she sealed victory amid roaring fan support.
“The crowd were not merely cheering for me or for my opponent; they genuinely supported both of us,” Zheng observed.
“We are both Chinese athletes, and on National Day, audiences got to witness two compatriots going head to head. My red outfit just happened to fit the occasion perfectly.”
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Shortly after the match, Zheng posted on Xiaohongshu: “A winning opening in red. May our great motherland flourish in peace and prosperity.”
For many attendees, the China Open has become an annual tradition, with families spending the National Day holiday at the venue to enjoy tennis together.
“The atmosphere is fantastic today. Compared with previous editions, visitor numbers seem noticeably higher,” noted a China Open fan, Zhao Ziyi. “I spotted lots of family groups: parents with kids and senior relatives. Quite a few families also brought their own national flags.”
Spectator Wu Jian said attending the China Open during the National Day holiday was itself a way of celebrating.
“I hope Chinese tennis continues to improve, and I believe outstanding players will emerge in the future. Chinese people are capable of achieving great things,” Wu said.
For fans at the National Tennis Center, the China Open offered more than elite tennis, it became a shared holiday experience marked by sport, family and celebration.
On this National Day session, players and spectators jointly crafted this “winning start in red” — an unforgettable kick off to their National Day holiday.
By Ye Ruixi, Rong Xinyue, Zhao Yiwei and Liang Yanxi
Weibo@ChinaOpen
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Douyin@ChinaOpen
