Rybakina ousted by world No. 118 in China Open second round
BEIJING: World No.1 Elena Rybakina could not regroup and fell to 118th-ranked Alina Charaeva in the second round of the China Open on Saturday in Beijing.
In the second round of the China Open, World No.1 Elena Rybakina was ousted by 118th-ranked Alina Charaeva from Armenia. The 27-year-old Kazakhstani player, who recently claimed the top ranking following her US Open win, was making her debut in Beijing. Charaeva, a 24-year-old making her Beijing debut, triumphed 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a decisive comeback.
Rybakina, in her post-match statement, expressed her disbelief, stating, "I don't have words." Charaeva, however, was elated, calling it a "dream come true." She praised Rybakina, saying, "She's an amazing player, and for me, this is kind of just a dream come true." The match lasted two hours and 11 minutes, with Charaeva holding serve to secure the victory.
The windy conditions in the closed-roof stadium seemed to work against Rybakina, who had started strongly but was undone by seven double-faults. Despite the supportive crowd trying to rally Rybakina, Charaeva persevered in the third round, where she will face Briton Sonay Kartal.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Zverev sets up Djokovic quarter-final at China Open nst.com.my
- Aussie duo and new world number one fall at China Open abc.net.au
- Rybakina ousted by world No. 118 in China Open second round freemalaysiatoday.com
