Light show at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Ningbo Open. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

The 2025 Ningbo Open launched in spectacular fashion on Oct 13 under the camellia-inspired dome at the Ningbo (Yinzhou) Tennis Center in Ningbo, Zhejiang province.

A dazzling light show marked the start of this upgraded WTA 500 tournament, attracting top international players to compete for $1 million in prize money and 500 ranking points.

Chinese rising star Wang Xinyu, competing against a compatriot in the first round, complimented the venue and staff, and said, "I'll stay focused and fight hard while enjoying the match." 

Top seed Mirra Andreeva, last year's finalist, also expressed her enthusiasm: "I love this event — the organization is excellent and the fans are amazing. I can't wait to play."

Opening day brought intense drama as sixth seed and Olympic champion Belinda Bencic defeated Poland's Magda Linette 6-3, 6-2. "It was intense, especially the second set. I'm thrilled to win my first match here," she said.

American player McCartney Kessler stunned former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin with a 6-1, 6-0 rout in just 53 minutes.

In doubles, Zhang Shuai and Marketa Vondrousova suffered a heartbreaking loss. Despite leading 9-5 in the match tiebreak, they were edged out 11-9 by Tang Qianhui and Ulrikke Eikeri.

Zhang Shuai (left) and Marketa Vondrousova during the match. [Photo by Xu Neng/cnnb.com.cn]