Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka exit China Open early
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 4, 2026, 9:16 AM
Last updated Oct 4, 2026
Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in women’s tennis, were both eliminated from the China Open in Beijing. Rybakina lost to Alina Charaeva 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, marking an unexpected defeat as she struggled with injuries. Sabalenka fell to Nikola Bartůňková 6-4, 6-3 after previously experiencing issues against her. Both players will next prepare for the Wuhan Open following their early exits.
- •Rybakina lost to Charaeva after winning the U.S. Open.
- •Sabalenka was defeated by Bartůňková in a straight-sets match.
- •Both players are ranked in the WTA top two.
- •Rybakina is dealing with allergies and a foot injury.
- •Next for both are matches at the Wuhan Open.
- 9:16 AMYahoo Sports — Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka, WTA world No. 1 and No. 2, out of China Open
"Throughout the 2026 season, Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka’s tennis fates have been intertwined at the top of the sport. They have contested three finals, two of them at Grand Slams. They have jostled for the world No. 1 ranking, which Rybakina seized a fortnight ago in New York before defeating Sabalenka in the U.S. Open final, just as she had defeated her to win the Australian Open in January. Saturday into Sunday at the China Open in Beijing, they produced tennis symmetry once more — with
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