The curtain has officially closed on the celebrated international career of Chinese women’s doubles star Chen Qingchen, as she and long-time partner Jia Yifan ended their final joint tournament at the 2025 French Open. The duo, affectionately known as “Fan Chen” (a portmanteau of their names, Fan from Jia Yifan and Chen from Chen Qingchen), bowed out after a semi-final defeat, marking the end of an era that defined Chinese women’s doubles for the better part of a decade.
The pair’s final international outing concluded in the semi-finals of the French Open on the evening of October 26th (Paris time), where they lost in straight games (16-21, 17-21) to their compatriots Li Yijing/Luo Xumin.
Chen Qingchen’s decision to retire from the national team follows their triumphant gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, as she plans to explore different aspects of life after participating in this year’s National Games. Jia Yifan, meanwhile, will continue her journey toward the Los Angeles Olympics, teaming up with Zhang Shuxian.
To honor their remarkable 10-year partnership, the coaching staff and fans orchestrated a fitting farewell. From the Korea Open in September through the Denmark and French Opens in October, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan temporarily reunited for a three-tournament farewell series. While they reached the semi-finals in both the Denmark and France Opens, falling short of the final each time, the shared smiles and a group photo with their younger opponents after their final match captured the essence of their amicable departure. The “Fan Chen” era, already cemented by their achievements, needed no further proof of their legendary status.
A Decade of Dominance
Since first pairing up on January 21, 2014, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan have amassed an astonishing collection of accolades. They became the first women’s doubles pair in World Championships history to achieve a triple crown, winning in 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Their journey culminated in a career Grand Slam, progressing from a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics to the coveted gold in Paris. They have also secured championships at major team and individual events, including the Sudirman Cup, Uber Cup, Asian Games, Asian Championships, and the China National Games.
Their dominance was underscored by a record of 104 consecutive weeks at World Number 1, contributing to a total of 200 weeks atop the rankings before being surpassed by younger teammates late last year. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) lauded them as “one of the most dominant women’s doubles pairings.”
“You and I are but mortals in the dusty world”
The original meaning of their partnership name, “Fan Chen,” translates roughly to “You and I are but mortals in the dusty world”—a humble title for a pair that reached the pinnacle of global badminton through relentless effort.
Jia Yifan described their on-court synergy beautifully: “It’s hard to express our feelings on the court. We know what the other means with just a look. I do what she says, she does what I say; it reaches a state of spiritual connection. It’s truly marvelous, that’s the realm doubles play reaches in the end.”
Despite being born just six days apart in June 1997, their personalities contrasted sharply: Jia Yifan, emotional and often hesitant, balanced by Chen Qingchen’s more rational yet occasionally over-analytical nature. They were each other’s “special medicine,” offering counsel and solutions in times of difficulty. Chen Qingchen, often stubborn to others, would yield to Jia Yifan. Throughout Jia Yifan’s rigorous recent schedule, Chen Qingchen’s primary concern was not results, but her partner’s well-being: “Physical health is most important, maintaining a good mood is key,” she often messaged.
As they turn to new paths, their bond remains. “I will come watch you play the Los Angeles Olympics,” they promised each other. Jia Yifan sent her most sincere wish: “Start enjoying the life you’ve always wanted to pursue!”
The “Fan Chen” name now transcends a mere partnership title; an era has officially concluded. Yet, the moments they fought side-by-side, the blend of laughter and tears, and the unique chemistry and affection known as “Fan Chen,” will be etched as beautiful, eternal memories.
Although their final match on the international stage wasn’t a championship victory, concluding their journey on the same French soil where they achieved their Olympic dream offers a unique sense of fulfillment. Fans eagerly await the possibility of seeing Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan reunite in future domestic competitions.