Sabalenka exits as Beijing loses its top two favourites

Beijing lost its two leading favourites in just over twelve hours. Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two and second seed, was eliminated from the China Open on Sunday in the third round, beaten 6-4, 6-3 by Czech player Nikola Bartunkova, ranked 34th in the world. The Belarusian’s tournament ended in a straight-sets defeat to a lower-ranked opponent.

Sabalenka’s serve did not give her the advantage: she won 53% of points behind her first serve, compared with 63% on her second. Her return was therefore better on the second delivery, while the scoreboard showed a clear exit, with Bartunkova taking both sets.

Sabalenka’s departure followed Elena Rybakina’s, after Rybakina lost on Saturday to Alina Charaeva, ranked 118th. It was Rybakina’s first match since becoming world number one. In just over twelve hours, both top seeds had left the China Open: Sabalenka at the third-round stage, and Rybakina in her first match as world number one. The tournament has lost its leading contenders early in the draw.