Sabalenka suffers early exit from China Open, joining Rybakina’s upset

Following Elena Rybakina’s shock knockout from the China Open, top‑seed Aryna Sabalenka was also eliminated on Sunday in Beijing, leaving the tournament without its top two players after just one week.

The 20‑year‑old Czech, Nikola Bartunkova, secured a 6‑4, 6‑3 victory over the four‑time Grand Slam champion, marking Sabalenka’s second consecutive early loss on Chinese soil.

After Rybakina’s defeat on Saturday, Sabalenka’s exit means the WTA 1000 event in Beijing will proceed without its top seeds in the opening round.

That’s now NINE consecutive tournaments without a title for Aryna Sabalenka

Madrid – QF

Rome – R32

French Open – QF

Berlin – SF

Wimbledon – R16

Toronto – R16

Cincinnati – R16

US Open – Final

Beijing – R32

Having been denied a three‑peat at the US Open by Rybakina last month, Sabalenka wasted five break points in the opening set and struggled throughout the match in Beijing. The 28‑year‑old Belarusian has never advanced beyond the quarter‑finals at this tournament.

Bartunkova, the 26th seed, will next face Austria’s Sinja Kraus, who beat Dayana Yastremska 6‑1, 6‑4 earlier on Sunday.

Fifth seed Mirra Andreeva progressed to the fourth round with a 6‑4, 6‑1 win over Polina Kudermetova. The French Open champion fired six aces and converted five of seven break‑point chances, overwhelming her Uzbek opponent in just 68 minutes.

Alcaraz into Tokyo semi‑finals

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semi‑finals of the Japan Open after Denis Shapovalov retired due to a hip injury, extending the Spaniard’s strong comeback from a four‑month wrist injury lay‑off.

The defending champion was leading 7‑6 (7‑4) 2‑1 when the Canadian withdrew. “It was a little bit frustrating with my serve. I couldn’t find a good way of serving: I was struggling almost every game on serve,” Alcaraz said after dropping serve three times in the opening set.

“But I’m just happy with the way I came back after every break. It was a great first set: Great points, great rallies.”

Alcaraz expressed disappointment with the circumstances of his progression. “It’s a shame that he had to pull out. Going through to a semi‑final like this is not the way I wanted, but sometimes sports are tough. You have to accept it. Hopefully he’s going to be able to play in Shanghai healthy.”

He will face compatriot Jaume Munar in the semi‑finals after the qualifier defeated France’s Kyrian Jacquet 6‑4, 6‑2.

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