Aryna Sabalenka swept out of China Open in straight-sets defeat by Nikola Bartunkova
Second seed loses to 34th-ranked player from CzechiaTop seed Elena Rybakina also lost in BeijingAryna Sabalenka was swatted aside in straight sets by 34th-ranked Nikola Bartunkova in the third round of the China Open on Sunday, leaving the event without its top two seeds.
The Guardian
Carlos Alcaraz sends heartfelt message to Denis Shapovalov after he retires from their Japan Open quarter-final match
Carlos Alcaraz is back in the Japan Open semi-finals, having beaten Denis Shapovalov earlier today. However, it was far from straightforward yet again for the Spaniard, who once again had to break his opponent when serving for the first set, before failing to serve it out himself.
Yardbarker
Fans urge Jannik Sinner to make big decision as he withdraws from the Shanghai Masters
Jannik Sinner officially withdrew from the Shanghai Masters on Saturday as he continues to recover from an ongoing knee injury. The Italian has not played on the ATP Tour since the Wimbledon final, having missed the entirety of the North American hard-court swing, as well as the China Open.
Yardbarker
‘I totally understand what she feels’: Iga Swiatek responds as Sabalenka launches No. 1 comeback bid
Iga Swiatek has offered her perspective on Aryna Sabalenka’s renewed motivation to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking, admitting she understands what it means to be on the other side of the chase.
Yardbarker
31-Year-Old French Pro Forced Into Surgery After Brutal Fall at China Open
When Fabien Reboul injured himself and was forced to withdraw from his doubles match at the China Open, his well-wishers must have hoped for a speedy recovery. However, in light of a new medical update shared by the 31-year-old Frenchman himself, the road to recovery could be longer.
Essentially Sports
Qinwen Zheng states whether she would rather win a Slam or reach world number one
Qinwen Zheng has been ranked fourth in the world and played a Grand Slam final but has yet to reach world number one or win a major title. The Chinese star enjoyed a great 2024 season, winning Olympic gold, reaching the Australian Open final and peaking at world number four.
Yardbarker
10 biggest upsets in Grand Slams in 2026
The four Grand Slams are the highlights of the tennis season every year.
Sportskeeda
Alex Eala rival makes shock ‘not so hard’ admission about Filipina and her army of fans
"I realised I could beat her and I had to really go for it."
Tennis365
Serena Williams’ coach furious as Kelsey Mitchell makes honest admission about playing beside Caitlin Clark in Fever
Serena Williams’ coach, Rennae Stubbs, recently got brutally honest in the comment section of a post that covered the Kelsey Mitchell interview.
Sportskeeda
Andy Murray missed out on £18m payday after wife stepped in to stop spending
Andy Murray could have owned one of the most famous contemporary artworks of the century if not for his wife stepping in.
Daily Express
Rafael Nadal admits what he found ‘toughest’ about playing tennis again in exhibition match vs Andy Murray
Rafael Nadal has officially made his return to the match court for the first time since his retirement. Nadal retired from tennis in 2024 at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, bringing an end to his 23-year playing career.
Yardbarker
Novak Djokovic complains to umpire after ‘the world’s most stupid’ call in his match vs Alexander Zverev
It took just two games for Novak Djokovic’s match with Alexander Zverev to erupt, and not in the way many had expected.
Tennishead
Mirra Andreeva has just surpassed a Coco Gauff record after reaching the China Open Round of 16
Mirra Andreeva has stormed into the China Open Round of 16 after knocking out Polina Kudermetova. Andreeva survived a scare in round two of the WTA 1000 tournament, where she beat Yue Yuan 3-6, 6-0, 6-0.
Yardbarker
“Deserved This”: Novak Djokovic’s Chinese Opponent Breaks Silence on Hostile Home Crowd
On Friday night, when Novak Djokovic stood across the net from 24-year-old Chinese wildcard Bu Yunchaokete, the spectators in Beijing were quick to switch their allegiance from their home favorite to the player who has never lost in front of them.
Essentially Sports
“Warm Face to a Cold Bu*t”: Taiwanese WTA Rivals Trade Barbs After Asian Games Handshake Snub
Let bygones be bygones- Easier said than done, especially when it’s a decade-long rivalry between compatriots playing professional tennis.
Essentially Sports
