China Open: Top Seeds Exit Early

In a stunning start to the China Open, both world No. 1 Elena Rybakina and world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka have been knocked out in the opening week, leaving the tournament without its two top seeds. Rybakina fell on Saturday, and Sabalenka followed suit on Sunday, continuing a difficult stretch for the Belarusian.

Sabalenka Crumbles in Beijing

Sabalenka, who was denied a US Open three‑peat by Rybakina last month, squandered five break points in the opening set against Czech 20‑year‑old Nikola Bartunkova. The 28‑year‑old has never progressed beyond the quarter‑finals in Beijing, and this early exit marks her ninth consecutive tournament without a title.

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

Bartunkova Stuns Sabalenka

Bartunkova, the No. 26 seed, secured a 6‑4 6‑3 victory over the four‑time Grand Slam champion, sending shockwaves through the draw. She will next face Austria’s Sinja Kraus, who defeated Dayana Yastremska earlier on Sunday.

Alcaraz Advances in Tokyo

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the semi‑finals of the Japan Open after Denis Shapovalov retired with a hip injury while trailing 7‑6 (7‑4) 2‑1. The defending champion, who returned from a four‑month wrist lay‑off, expressed frustration with his serve but praised his resilience. Alcaraz will face compatriot Jaume Munar in the next round.

Fifth seed Mirra Andreeva also progressed, defeating Polina Kudermetova 6‑4 6‑1 in just 68 minutes. The French Open champion fired six aces and converted five of seven break‑point opportunities.

For fans looking to follow the action, tennis can be streamed with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App, with live coverage of the WTA/ATP China Open and ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters.

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