WTCC Day One Kicks Off! Wang Xinyu Suffers a Tough Defeat, Swiatek Overcomes Rybakina

On December 26th, 2025, the World Tennis Continental Cup (WTCC) launched with great excitement at the Shenzhen Universiade Center Gymnasium! Headlined by Grand Slam winners Swiatek and Rybakina, Chinese tennis talents Wang Xinyu and Zhang Zhizhen, alongside strong contenders Rublev, Bencic, Koblova, and Vachero, assembled in Shenzhen to present a spectacular tennis finale for global audiences.

This edition features an exceptionally strong lineup: eight players have collectively reached Grand Slam singles finals eight times, securing seven titles with an impressive 87.5% success rate in finals. Swiatek alone boasts six Grand Slam titles, maintaining a perfect record of six finals and six championships, unmatched among active WTA players. On the tour, these eight players have won a combined total of 68 singles titles across all levels, including 17 Masters 1000, 27 WTA 500, and 14 WTA 250 titles. Their Olympic achievements are equally remarkable, with 2 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medals. Over their careers, they have amassed 1030 hardcourt wins with 40 titles, 380 clay wins with 25 titles, and 164 grass wins with 3 titles. Their 1574 professional victories symbolize consistent elite performance and long-term dominance, making every shot at the inaugural WTCC a moment destined for the history books.

The inaugural WTCC spans three days, dividing the eight tennis stars into the World Team and the Europe Team. They will compete across five stages featuring 10 matches in men’s singles, women’s singles, and mixed doubles. The pioneering “Europe vs. World” format offers an intense schedule and high competitive intensity rarely seen in exhibition tennis, enhancing strategic depth and team spirit while allowing fans to witness players from diverse styles and backgrounds battle on the same court.

According to reports, each match in this tournament follows a best-of-three sets format, with the deciding set determined by a match tiebreak. Wins in Stage 1 earn 1 point; Stage 2 and 3 wins award 2 points each; and Stage 4 and 5 victories grant 3 points. This cross-continental contest ignites fierce passion, blending individual skill with team coordination, injecting thrilling suspense and a fresh viewing experience into the event.

At the opening ceremony, 15 ball kids from Hubei Tennis School led the two teams onto the court. The World Team featured Rybakina, Rublev, Wang Xinyu, and Zhang Zhizhen, while the Europe Team showcased Swiatek, Bencic, Vachero, and Koblova. Each player made a grand entrance, waving to fans as they circled half the court.

Following the concise and dignified opening ceremony, Stage 1 matches commenced. Local Shenzhen star Wang Xinyu representing the World Team faced Europe’s Bencic in the first match. After a tough three-set battle, Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Bencic came back to win 4-6, 6-2, 10-5, securing the opening point for Europe. The second match featured a clash between two Grand Slam champions, where six-time Grand Slam winner Swiatek dominated, defeating the reigning WTA Finals champion Rybakina 6-3, 6-3 to start her Shenzhen debut with a victory.

After Stage 1, the Europe Team leads the World Team 2-0 going into Stage 2. The competition intensifies over the next four stages, with both sides fiercely contesting the remaining points. Top players on each team will give their all to showcase peak performance. Once all five stages conclude, the champion of the inaugural World Tennis Continental Cup (WTCC) will be crowned. Will the World Team’s diverse lineup prevail, or will the Europe Team’s deep experience secure the title? Stay tuned!

As a major international event following the National Games in Shenzhen, the WTCC not only continues the city’s professionalism and organizational excellence but also elevates the sporting energy awakened during the National Games to a more global, youthful, and participatory level. With the slogan “Everyone is a Star,” the event was designed from the start as a celebration for all. The tight schedule and immersive interactive experiences transform WTCC from a traditional professional tournament into a tennis carnival for everyone, where every spectator can find personal emotional value and engagement.

From Shenzhen to the world, the 2025 World Tennis Continental Cup (WTCC) will once again ignite China’s tennis passion this weekend! With top-tier player showdowns and thrilling intercontinental team battles, every exciting rally and incredible save represents a fusion of global tennis cultures. Get your tickets ready and join this tennis extravaganza that captures worldwide attention, witnessing the birth of continental glory!