Aryna Sabalenka became just the second top seed to depart the China Open, suffering a surprising first-round loss to Czech qualifier Nikola Bartunkova on Sunday. The defeat comes a day after new world No 1 Elena Rybakina was also eliminated from the WTA 1000 event in Beijing, leaving the tournament without its two highest-ranked players in the opening week.
Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, fell 6-4 6-3 to the 26th-seeded Bartunkova. During the match, Sabalenka missed five break point opportunities in the opening set, compounding her difficulties on hard courts in the Chinese capital. The Belarusian has yet to advance past the quarter-finals at this specific tournament.
The loss extends a significant trophy drought for Sabalenka, who has now gone nine consecutive tournaments without capturing a title. Her recent results include a final run at the US Open, but she has struggled in earlier rounds at events such as Madrid, Rome, and Wimbledon since her peak form.
Bartunkova will now face Austria’s Sinja Kraus in the next round. Kraus, 24, secured her spot by defeating Dayana Yastremska in straight sets, 6-1 6-4.
Meanwhile, fifth seed Mirra Andreeva continued her strong campaign by advancing to the fourth round. The French Open champion overpowered Polina Kudermetova 6-4 6-1 in just 68 minutes, utilizing six aces and converting five of seven break point chances.
In men’s action at the Japan Open, top seed Carlos Alcaraz reached the semi-finals after his opponent, Denis Shapovalov, retired due to a hip injury. Alcaraz was leading 7-6 (7-4) 2-1 when the Canadian player withdrew. The result extends Alcaraz’s successful return from a four-month layoff caused by a wrist injury.
Alcaraz acknowledged the frustrating nature of his service performance in the first set but praised his resilience. He expressed sympathy for Shapovalov’s situation, stating it was unfortunate to advance under such circumstances, but hoped the Canadian player would recover in time for the Shanghai Masters.
Alcaraz is set to face countryman Jaume Munar in the semifinals. Munar advanced after defeating France’s Kyrian Jacquet 6-4 6-2.
Is Rybakina really the new number one already? Seems like we are still processing that shift in the rankings.
Alcaraz dealing with retirement wins and hip injuries already? Tough luck for Shapovalov, but Carlos adapts well.
Sabalenka missing five break points is just unacceptable. Something has to change in her mentality out there.