Sabalenka advances at China Open after US Open loss

Aryna Sabalenka opened her China Open campaign with a dominant 6-1, 6-3 win over Renata Zarazua.

Deuce and Advantage desk 4 Oct 2026 Source: BBC Sport, yardbarker.com

Aryna Sabalenka won her first match at the China Open with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Renata Zarazua. The Belarusian needed just 63 minutes to advance, firing 11 aces and never facing a break point on her own serve.

Sabalenka converted four of the eight break point opportunities she created. Zarazua was unable to secure a single break of serve during the match.

Loss to Rybakina still fresh after US Open final

This victory comes after Sabalenka lost her world number one ranking and US Open crown to Elena Rybakina in September. That defeat in the final marked her first loss in a Grand Slam title match since 2022.

Rybakina dethroned Sabalenka in the rankings following the US Open. Sabalenka will finish the current season without a Grand Slam trophy for the first time since 2022. She is bidding for her first title since winning the Sunshine Double in March.

Her two Masters 1000 titles this season are the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open. The 28-year-old is now handling the Asian swing without the top ranking.

Sabalenka opens up on self-pressure and mental approach

Sabalenka acknowledged her ongoing struggle with frustration and self-criticism on court. She described it as a double-edged sword that can both drive and drain her.

"I think this is a good and a bad side of my personality, that I always ask and wait for more from myself," Sabalenka said. She added that she is actively working to change this mindset, noting, "I'm really trying so hard sometimes to be easier on myself."

Third-round clash with Bartunkova looms after Berlin Open history

Sabalenka will face 20-year-old Czech Nikola Bartunkova in the third round. Bartunkova advanced by defeating Magdalena Frech 6-2, 6-2 in her opening match.

The pair have recent history. They met at the Berlin Open in June, where Bartunkova came close to a major upset. Sabalenka eventually won that encounter in three tight sets.

The score from their Berlin match is below: