Sabalenka Eases Past Zarazua at China Open as Belarusian Targets First Title Since March

Posted : 03 October 2026

Aryna Sabalenka began her China Open campaign with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory over Mexico's Renata Zarazua on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Beijing. The world number two produced 11 aces and 36 winners in a match that lasted approximately 62 minutes. She also avoided facing a break point throughout the encounter.

The victory marked Sabalenka's return to competition after losing the US Open final and the world number one ranking to Elena Rybakina in September. The 28-year-old Belarusian is seeking her first title since winning the Miami Open in March, following her triumph at Indian Wells to complete the Sunshine Double.

Despite her impressive performance in Beijing, Sabalenka acknowledged the personal pressure created by her demanding expectations. She admitted that her tendency to criticize herself could sometimes drain her energy, even though it had also helped drive her success.

"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.

"Sometimes it can drive me forward, but sometimes it can really drain my energy."

She added that she was making a conscious effort to change her mindset, saying she was "trying so hard sometimes to be easier on myself."

Sabalenka will next face Czech teenager Nikola Bartunkova in the third round. The pair previously met at the Berlin Open in June, where Bartunkova came close to upsetting the Belarusian.

Elsewhere in the women's draw, French Open champion Mirra Andreeva recovered from a difficult start to defeat Chinese wildcard Yuan Yue 3-6, 6-0, 6-0. Andreeva dominated the final two sets without dropping another game, securing her place in the next round.

Britain's Katie Boulter also featured on Friday but suffered a 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 defeat against Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka overcame Uzbekistan's Maria Timofeeva 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to progress in the tournament.

In the men's competition, six-time China Open champion Novak Djokovic survived a major challenge from Chinese player Bu Yunchaokete. The Serbian recovered from losing the opening set to secure a 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 victory after two hours and 52 minutes.

Djokovic needed medical attention during the second set but regained control in the tiebreak before dominating the deciding set. The victory extended his unbeaten record at the Beijing tournament to 31 matches. He will next face either Alexander Zverev or Shang Juncheng.

Daniil Medvedev also advanced after defeating Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta 6-4, 6-2. The Russian produced 12 aces to secure his place in the next round. In men's doubles, British pair Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool defeated Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-4.

Sabalenka's opening victory provided a positive start to her Asian swing. However, her comments about self-criticism highlighted a personal challenge she is working to address as the season approaches its final stages.

Sabalenka Eases Past Zarazua at China Open as Belarusian Targets First Title Since March

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