Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka Eliminated from China Open

At the China Open on Saturday, Elena Rybakina, the WTA world No. 1, was unexpectedly eliminated in the second round by Armenia's Alina Charaeva, ranked No. 118. This match marked Rybakina's first official defeat since ascending to the top of the rankings.

Rybakina lost after a close contest lasting two hours and 11 minutes, concluding with Charaeva winning to set up a next-round matchup with Britain's Sonay Kartal.

In a surprising turn of events, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 2, also exited the tournament shortly thereafter, falling to Nikola Bartunkova of the Czech Republic in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.

Both players are now out of the China Open, making it the first time in recent history that the top two seeds have missed reaching the later rounds of the tournament. Rybakina has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Wuhan Open following this defeat.