In 2009, Ding Ning defeated Zhang Yining, who was ranked second in both stages, in the internal trial of crossing Yokohama in Guo Ping, and became the champion of "crossing Yokohama". He was the first to qualify for the World Table Tennis Championships, started his first singles tour, won the first world championship in his career and became one of the main players.
On February 25th, 20 18, in the women's team final of the 20 18 ITTF World Cup held in London, China's Ding Ning, Chen Xingtong, Zhu Yuling and Liu won the championship. On June 3rd, Ding Ning/Zhu Yuling won the women's doubles championship in the ITTF World Tour China Open, while Ding Ning lost to teammate Manyu Wang and won the runner-up in the women's singles.