Aryna Sabalenka Reacts After Shock Early-Round Exit at China Open

Nikola Bartunkova stunned Aryna Sabalenka in the third round of the ongoing China Open. Sabalenka, a three-time quarterfinalist in Beijing, was bidding to win her fourth title of the season.

She dominated at the start of the season, winning the Brisbane International, Indian Wells, and the Miami Open. But since that win over Coco Gauff in Miami, Sabalenka has not yet clinched a title.

Before arriving in Beijing, the World No.2 reached the final of the US Open, but her three-peat dream was ruined by Elena Rybakina. The Kazakh ace also dethroned Sabalenka from the No.1 ranking after her win. Rybakina also crashed out of the China Open following her defeat to Alina Charaeva in the opening round.

This was not the first time Sabalenka faced Bartunkova. During the quarterfinals of this year’s Berlin Open, Sabalenka came from a set down to defeat her and later only praised the Czech ace’s tennis. She did the same following their latest match.

She is very talented and moves well on court. She also serves well, so you have to convert your chances against her. She can serve really well, and to return from shade or sun is tricky. I wasn’t good at this today.

Aryna Sabalenka said after the match (H/T: WTA Tour)

Sabalenka will next be playing in Wuhan, where she is a three-time champion, winning in her first three appearances. But she failed to complete a three-peat last year, losing in the semifinals.

It is the biggest win of my career. It was very difficult conditions for today because half of the court was very cold and very windy. And the other side was very hot and opposite. It was very difficult conditions for both of us. It could be better for sure, especially on my serve. But it was because of the windy and it was cold. So, that’s why I think my percentage of my serve was at the low.

Nikola Bartunkova said after the match (H/T: WTA Tour)

Bartunkova made her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open this season and reached the third round. Except for the French Open, where she lost in the first round, the 20-year-old played the third round of the remaining three Majors.

Nikola Bartunkova sets up clash with Sinja Kraus after defeating Aryna Sabalenka

Nikola Bartunkova made her debut in the WTA 1000 qualifiers at the Indian Wells Open this year. But she couldn’t secure a main draw berth at this level before the Italian Open, where her run ended in the fourth round at the hands of eventual champion Elina Svitolina.

For me, it’s an unbelievable year for me. I didn’t expect before this year that I would play like this. And I would be here like this. It’s great. But just now, I just focus on myself, improve my game. Because still, it’s 50-50-50 every match. And I’m still young. I need to have more experience. That’s my goal right now.

Nikola Bartunkova said at the press conference (H/T: WTA Tour)

Bartunkova will next be locking horns with Sinja Kraus in the third round. The Austrian ace went past Dayana Yastremska in the previous round. The winner of the Kraus versus Bartunkova will face Liudmila Samsonova, this year’s Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova, or four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

Also in the tournament, 2023 China Open champion Iga Swiatek will face Donna Vekic in the third round, while Coco Gauff, the champion in 2024, will meet wild card Sun Xinran in the third round.

The reigning champion in Beijing is Amanda Anisimova. But due to an injury, she not only withdrew from the event but also ended her season.

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