Sabalenka makes dominant start in China Open title bid

Beijing: Aryna Sabalenka unleashed 11 aces to dismantle Renata Zarazua 6-1, 6-3, kicking off her China Open title pursuit on Friday in the Chinese capital. The world number two from Belarus will face Czech player Nikola Bartunkova in the Round of 32. Despite committing a few unforced errors, Sabalenka dominated the 62-minute contest, breaking Zarazua's serve twice.

"I was just trying to stay focused on myself. Tried to stay aggressive on my serve, on the return as well," the 28-year-old remarked. Meanwhile, the men's event commenced with Novak Djokovic set to battle Brazilian qualifier Bu Yunchao in the second round of the $500,000 men’s tournament. The 39-year-old Serbian is chasing a sixth China Open title and aims to continue his unbeaten run at the event.

Earlier on Friday, Naomi Osaka reclaimed control to overcome Uzbekistan’s Maria Timofeeva 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, with the four-time Grand Slam champion advancing to face Sara Bejlek of the Czech Republic. Russian Wimbledon champion Mirra Andreeva overcame a shaky opening set to dispatch Chinese wildcard Yuan Yue 3-6, 6-0, 6-0, while Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova triumphed over Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-4, 6-1.

In the men's draw, Daniil Medvedev's precise forehand shots dismantled Pablo Carreno Busta 6-4, 6-2, securing a second-round showdown with Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff.