Sabalenka feels ‘fresh’ ahead of China Open after ranking setback

Aryna Sabalenka, the four-time Grand Slam winner from Belarus, expressed feeling refreshed as she prepared for her first tournament since being dethroned as the world's top-ranked player. Sabalenka had held the number one ranking for an impressive 99 weeks before relinquishing it to Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina. The 28-year-old acknowledged that her recent performance had been less than stellar, and this tournament marked her return to form both mentally and physically.

At the US Open, she began to enjoy the game again, crediting her improved physical and mental state for her resurgence. Sabalenka, who withdrew from Beijing last year due to injury, will face either Anna Bondar or Renata Zarazua in the round of 64 at the China Open. In the men's draw, Novak Djokovic aims to add to his six titles at the event, where he has never lost a singles match.

The Serbian, 39, is confident in his body and playing abilities, expressing gratitude for his record on Chinese soil.