Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked second in the world, joined Elena Rybakina in exiting the China Open after suffering an unexpected defeat to world number 34 Nikola Bartunkova.
This setback occurred just a day after top seed Rybakina—who defeated Sabalenka in last month’s US Open final to displace the Belarusian from the summit of the rankings—was eliminated by Alina Charaeva, an Armenian player ranked 118th globally.
Czech competitor Bartunkova caused another major upset at the WTA 1,000 tournament, extending her breakout season by securing a 6-4, 6-3 triumph over Sabalenka.
“I stayed focused on myself and tried to remain calm. She is a legend of the game, so I am incredibly happy to have won this match,” stated the 20-year-old Bartunkova, who is set to play Austria’s Sinja Kraus in the next round.
Not since 2015 have both of the top two seeded players failed to reach the round of 16 at the China Open.
Sabalenka has been unable to claim a title since securing the ‘Sunshine Double’ in March, when she captured back-to-back victories at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
Given her high expectations, it has been an inconsistent year for Sabalenka. She will conclude the season without a Grand Slam championship for the first time since 2022, having frequently found it challenging to suppress her frustration on court.
During her encounter with Bartunkova, she was unable to convert any of her five break point chances and threw her racquet after surrendering a break of serve early in the second set.
