Aryna Sabalenka is eliminated from the China Open in the third round after a straight-sets defeat by Czech player Nikola Bartunkova in Beijing. The match ends 6-4, 6-3, with Bartunkova winning in about 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Multiple outlets describe the result as a surprise, with Sabalenka entering the tournament as world No. 2 and one of the top seeds. Reports note that Bartunkova, ranked around 34th, takes control early, breaking Sabalenka in the opening game and limiting her chances to respond. Sources also agree that Sabalenka fails to convert several break-point opportunities, while Bartunkova’s serving, including four aces, plays a role.
Several articles place the loss in a wider tournament context, noting that the China Open also sees Elena Rybakina exit earlier, leaving both of the top two seeds out of the event. While coverage largely converges on the scoreline and key match moments, some outlets frame the outcome more strongly as a shock or as part of a broader shift in the draw. One report also references controversy involving Sabalenka after the match, though details are not consistent across the provided sources.
