Aryna Sabalenka used to hardly ever lose in China, winning several titles in the nation early in her career. One she hasn't yet taken, though, is the China Open. That might change in 2026.
The Belarusian played feisty Renata Zarazua in the second round and didn't have any issues in the first set, as Sabalenka's powerful serve was too much for the Mexican. Plus, Sabalenka was playing exceedingly efficient tennis. She would finish the match with more than 20 more winners than unforced errors.
That kind of performance would overwhelm maybe every other player on the WTA Tour. Zarazua was simply the unfortunate one on the receiving end of Sabalenka's brilliance at the China Open. Yet, Zarazua should also be applauded for not completely wilting.
Aryna Sabalenka easily pushes past Renata Zarazua in the second round of the China Open
She was broken in the third game of the second set, and if there was any lingering doubt about the outcome of the match before that, there was none after it. Still, Zarazua continued to battle through service holds to at least force Sabalenka to keep holding serve. That wasn't much of an issue, however.
At 5-3 in set two, with Zarazua trying to force the Belarusian to at least hold serve to take the match, Sabalenka got another break to win the set 6-3. The match took just a little over an hour to play.
Aryna Sabalenka will next face Nikola Bartunkova in the third round. The two players have met once before, which came at the Berlin Open this year, and Sabalenka won in three sets.
After missing the China Open last year, any points gained by Sabalenka in 2026 are free ones. She cannot pick up enough points to reclaim WTA No. 1 from Elena Rybakina, but the Belarusian's No. 2 ranking should be safe for now.
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