The 2026 China Open attracted a record attendance of more than 450,000, the tennis competition's organizers announced at a closing press conference in Beijing, where CGTN Sports Scene's Zhu Mandan spoke with tournament director Lars Graff about player feedback and improvements to the event.
Chen Jie, the organizing committee's executive deputy director and secretary general, said attendance increased by 25 percent from last year, while ticket revenue reached 132 million yuan (about $19 million), up 48 percent.
The tournament welcomed 215 professional players from 40 countries and regions, including 34 Chinese participants. A total of 61 ATP and 162 WTA matches were held at the National Tennis Center.
Graff highlighted well-received changes made to player services and facilities, which have helped strengthen the tournament's reputation among the world's leading competitors. The expanded player area, upgraded rehabilitation facilities and improved transportation services were among the new measures introduced this season.