Nikola Bartunkova Stuns Sabalenka To Reach China Open Fourth Round

Aryna Sabalenka suffered a shock third-round exit at the China Open on Sunday, losing 4-6, 3-6 to Czech Republic’s Nikola Bartunkova in Beijing.

The world No. 34 produced a composed performance to defeat the four-time Grand Slam champion in just over 90 minutes, leaving the WTA 1000 tournament without its top two seeds during the opening week.

Newly crowned world No. 1 Elena Rybakina had already been knocked out on Saturday, making Sabalenka’s early departure another major upset in Beijing.

Bartunkova Holds Her Nerve Against Sabalenka

Sabalenka struggled to convert her opportunities in the opening set, wasting five break points as Bartunkova took control of the contest.

The 28-year-old Belarusian, who was denied a third consecutive US Open title by Rybakina last month, could not find a way past the Czech player’s resistance.

Bartunkova said staying calm and concentrating on her own game were key to the victory.

“First of all, I focused on myself, to be calm,” she said.

“And Aryna, she’s great, she’s a legend, she’s a Grand Slam champion. So, yeah, I’m really happy that I won the match … I’m not a girl who celebrates too much,” she added.

The Czech will next face Austria’s Sinja Kraus, who defeated Dayana Yastremska 6-1, 6-4 to reach the fourth round.

Andreeva Advances, Hurkacz Reaches Semifinals

Fifth seed Mirra Andreeva secured a place in the fourth round with a comfortable 6-4, 6-1 win over Polina Kudermetova.

The French Open champion fired six aces and converted five of her seven break-point opportunities to complete the victory in 68 minutes.

In the men’s competition, Hubert Hurkacz defeated Karen Khachanov 7-6 (2), 6-2 to book his place in the semifinals.

Later on Sunday, top seed and US Open champion Alexander Zverev was scheduled to face Novak Djokovic in a quarterfinal clash.