Aryna Sabalenka cast aside Renata Zarazua in straight sets to kick-start her China Open campaign.

In her first match since losing the US Open final to new world number one Elena Rybakina, Sabalenka cruised to a 6-1 6-3 victory.

Sabalenka needed just 62 minutes to get the job done, as she made a fine start to her quest to win the China Open for the first time.

Earlier on Friday, Naomi Osaka, a champion seven years ago in Beijing, overcame Maria Timofeeva 3-6 6-3 6-3.

Mirra Andreeva secured her passage through in similar come-from-behind fashion, albeit in more convincing style, as she beat Yeu Yuan 3-6 6-0 6-0.

Jasmine Paolini, however, was a big-name casualty, as she lost to Daria Snigur.

74.3 - Since the format’s introduction in 2009, Aryna Sabalenka (74.3%, level with Kim Clijsters) now only trails four (min. 10 matches) for career win rate at WTA-1000 events – Serena Williams, Iga Swiatek, Maria Sharapova & Ashleigh Barty. Elite.#ChinaOpen | @ChinaOpen @WTA pic.twitter.com/XuWR3HNXOO

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) October 2, 2026

Sabalenka soars into WTA 1000 top five

Since the format’s introduction in 2009, Sabalenka (74.3%, level with Kim Clijsters) now only trails four (minimum 10 matches played) for career win rate at WTA 1000 events – Serena Williams, Iga Swiatek, Maria Sharapova and Ashleigh Barty.

And among currently active players, Sabalenka's WTA-1000 win rate only trails Williams and Swiatek.

With 156 WTA-1000 match wins now to her name, Sabalenka has claimed the most such main-draw victories among active players.

Osaka, meanwhile, has now won five of her six opening matches at WTA 1000 events this season, with her sole defeat coming to Talia Gibson in Miami.

Andreeva had to come from behind too, but she has now won all nine of her opening WTA 1000 matches this season.