# Sabalenka loses China Open third round match

> Former world number one Sabalenka defeated by young Czech player in China Open third round.
- Title: Sabalenka loses China Open third round match · Sportstar
- Summary: Former world number one Sabalenka defeated by young Czech player in China Open third round. Aryna Sabalenka lost to 20-year-old Nikola Bartunkova in straight…
- Keywords: sabalenka, bartunkova, china open, tennis, czech republic, belarus, grand slam, round of 16, sports, loses, China, Open
- Source: Sportstar — https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/sabalenka-crashes-out-china-open-third-round/article71542994.ece
- Author: AFP
- Published: 2026-10-04T05:24:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sabalenka, bartunkova, china open, tennis, czech republic, belarus, grand slam, round of 16, sports
## Sabalenka loses China Open third round
Aryna Sabalenka, the former world number one, was defeated by 20-year-old Czech player Nikola Bartunkova in straight sets at the China Open third round.
## Bartunkova wins with four aces
Bartunkova sent down four aces to beat Sabalenka 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 35 minutes.
## Bartunkova's match comment
Bartunkova said, 'I focused on myself, to be calm. She’s a legend... so I’m really happy that I won the match.'

> I focused on myself, to be calm. She’s a legend... so I’m really happy that I won the match.
## Bartunkova next faces Sinja Kraus
Bartunkova will next face Austria’s Sinja Kraus in the round of 16.
## Sabalenka's match struggles
Sabalenka squandered five chances to break serve in the sixth game of the first set, with Bartunkova strong on defence and firing deep.
## Sabalenka tosses racquet
Sabalenka tossed her racquet at a break down in the fourth game of the second set and lost on the first match point when she returned into the net.
## Key takeaway

Aryna Sabalenka lost to 20-year-old Nikola Bartunkova in straight sets at the China Open third round.