Aryna Sabalenka exits China Open after loss to Nikola Bartunkova
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 4, 2026, 7:48 AM
Last updated Oct 4, 2026
WTA World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka was eliminated from the China Open in the first round, falling to Czechia's Nikola Bartunkova in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. Sabalenka, who has qualified for the WTA Finals, struggled with her performance despite a strong season earlier in the year. Her exit adds pressure on the remaining players, as defending champion Amanda Anisimova is also injured. Linda Noskova and Coco Gauff are among those left in contention to capitalize on this opportunity.
- •Sabalenka loses to Bartunkova in first round at China Open.
- •Match ended with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
- •Sabalenka has already qualified for the WTA Finals.
- •Amanda Anisimova is sidelined due to injury.
- •Coco Gauff and Linda Noskova remain in the draw.
- 8:00 AMESPN Tennis — Sabalenka bounced from China Open in straight-sets loss to Bartunkova
- 7:30 AMYahoo Sports — Sabalenka stunned by Bartunkova at China Open
- 7:30 AMBBC Sport — Sabalenka stunned by Bartunkova at China Open
- 6:14 AMYahoo Sports — Aryna Sabalenka upset at China Open
"World number two Aryna Sabalenka follows Elena Rybakina out the door at the China Open as she falls to a surprise defeat by Nikola Bartunkova.
"World number two Aryna Sabalenka follows Elena Rybakina out the door at the China Open as she falls to a surprise defeat by Nikola Bartunkova.
"No. 34-ranked Nikola Bartunkova defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-3 in the third round of the China Open.
Sources
External links- ESPN TennisOct 4, 2026, 8:00 AMSabalenka bounced from China Open in straight-sets loss to Bartunkova
No. 34-ranked Nikola Bartunkova defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-3 in the third round of the China Open.
- Yahoo SportsOct 4, 2026, 7:30 AMSabalenka stunned by Bartunkova at China Open
World number two Aryna Sabalenka follows Elena Rybakina out the door at the China Open as she falls to a surprise defeat by Nikola Bartunkova.
- BBC SportOct 4, 2026, 7:30 AMSabalenka stunned by Bartunkova at China Open
World number two Aryna Sabalenka follows Elena Rybakina out the door at the China Open as she falls to a surprise defeat by Nikola Bartunkova.
- Yahoo SportsOct 4, 2026, 6:14 AMAryna Sabalenka upset at China Open
WTA World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka exits the China Open early in a straight set loss to Czechia's Nikola Bartunkova.
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