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Sabalenka Makes Strong China Open Start as She Targets More Self-Belief

Posted : 02 October 2026

Aryna Sabalenka began her China Open campaign with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory over Mexico’s Renata Zarazua in Beijing.

The world No. 2 needed just 62 minutes to secure the win, producing 11 aces and preventing Zarazua from earning a single break-point opportunity. Sabalenka also struck 36 winners as she advanced to the third round.

The victory marked Sabalenka’s return to competition since the US Open, where she lost the final to Elena Rybakina and subsequently surrendered the world No. 1 ranking. The Belarusian is still searching for her first tournament title since winning Indian Wells and Miami in succession earlier this year.

Despite her dominant performance, Sabalenka acknowledged that she continues to work on being less demanding of herself. She said her tendency to expect more from her own game can sometimes motivate her but can also leave her drained.

The 28-year-old will next meet Czech youngster Nikola Bartunkova. The pair previously faced each other at the Berlin Open in June, where Bartunkova pushed Sabalenka before the Belarusian eventually recovered to win.

Sabalenka's opening victory came as she began her bid for another deep run at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing. She entered the tournament as the second seed behind Rybakina, who is scheduled to begin her campaign on Saturday.

Elsewhere, French Open champion Mirra Andreeva recovered from losing the opening set against Chinese wildcard Yuan Yue to win 3-6, 6-0, 6-0. Japan's Naomi Osaka also progressed after overcoming Uzbekistan's Maria Timofeeva 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

 

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