Sun Xinran celebrates after winning a point during her China Open third-round match against Coco Gauff in Beijing on Oct. 5. Photos by Xinhua

China's 16-year-old Sun Xinran, a Shenzhen native from Longhua, stepped into the spotlight at the China Open, showing maturity beyond her years in her WTA 1000 debut.

The girls' singles champion at this year's US Open and runner-up at both the French Open and Wimbledon, Sun advanced through the first two rounds in Beijing before her campaign ended with a 7-5, 6-1 loss to world No. 4 Coco Gauff of the United States on Oct. 5.

Sun advanced after Germany's Eva Lys retired with a foot injury in the first round, then defeated Spain's 27th seed Cristina Bucsa to reach the third round in her first China Open appearance.

"There were chances I could take, but there was some collapse in the second set," the teenager reflected after the match against Gauff. "Her rhythm is much faster than other players. She's able to mix it up and serves more powerfully, much better than me. There are so many things I can learn from her."

Playing at the China Open for the first time, the Shenzhen native admitted she had been nervous but was also proud to compete on Diamond Court during China's National Day holiday.

"I'm just so happy to play on that court. This is China, my home country. The crowd supported me a lot. I can hear them. They gave me energy," the wildcard entrant said.

Sun frequently clenched her fist after winning points, drawing energy from the crowd as she tested herself against higher-ranked opponents.

"This tournament gave me opportunity to play against top players. From the first round to the third round, my opponents are getting higher in their rankings. It just shows I have the ability to play against them. This really motivates me to improve."

Competing in a WTA 1000 main draw required Sun to adjust to a level of intensity beyond the junior circuit, but her aggressive returning and composure off the court offered signs that she was becoming more comfortable at the professional level.

"I just started playing professional matches. I don't want to put so much pressure on myself. I want to focus on my tennis, move forward step by step, and we will see what is going to happen," she said.

Describing herself as an "all-round player," Sun said years of training and competition had given her confidence in her preparation.

"I've played many matches with great coaches and facilities. Our team has been working hard towards our goals," Sun said. "I have my interpretation of each game. I make full preparation before matches and focus on implementing the plan. I go at my own pace."