Nikola Bartunkova produced one of the biggest wins of her career by beating world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-3 in the third round of the China Open.
The 20-year-old Czech broke Sabalenka in the opening game and held her nerve through a 95-minute match in Beijing.
Sabalenka misses five break chances
Sabalenka had five opportunities to break back in the sixth game of the opening set but failed to convert them.
Bartunkova kept the pressure on in the second set and closed out the match in straight sets.
Another setback in Sabalenka’s season
Sabalenka has not won a title since taking the Indian Wells and Miami trophies earlier this year. She reached the U.S. Open final but lost to Elena Rybakina.
Bartunkova’s victory sends her into the next round of the Beijing WTA 1000 event.
Sources: Reuters, Oct. 4, 2026; WTA China Open match data.
