Highlights from the First Week of the China Open: Upsets and Breakthroughs

Alina Charaeva emerged as a standout player, overcoming Yuliia Starodubtseva in the first round after trailing by a set and a break. She won that match with a score of 5-7, 7-5, 6-2, marking her first WTA 1000 victory. Following this, Charaeva delivered a major upset by defeating World No. 1 Elena Rybakina in the second round, also coming back from a set down. She continued her momentum in the third round, defeating Sonay Kartal 6-4, 6-1. Charaeva, currently ranked No. 118, could enter the Top 100 next week depending on other players' results, and a victory against Zheng Qinwen in the next round would secure that achievement.

In her WTA Tour debut, 16-year-old Sun Xinran made a strong impression by winning her first match against Eva Lys, who retired due to injury, and then beating 27th seed Cristina Bucsa 6-4, 7-5, achieving her first victory over a Top 50 player. Sun faced fourth-ranked Coco Gauff in the third round and put up a tough fight, ultimately losing 7-5, 6-1. Gauff praised Sun, noting her impressive junior career and potential for future success.

Another noteworthy performance came from Nikola Bartunkova who upset No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, advancing to her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal.

The biggest upset of the week was Charaeva's win over Rybakina, a significant moment as it marked only the second time a player lost in their first match after becoming World No. 1. This victory also made Charaeva the lowest-ranked player to defeat a World No. 1 after being a set down.

The best match featured Elise Mertens edging out Katie Volynets. Mertens took a commanding lead but faced a challenge when Volynets rallied for a set win. However, Mertens held her nerve and secured a 6-0, 4-6, 7-5 victory.

Iga Swiatek delivered a remarkable comeback against Donna Vekic, reversing a 6-4, 5-2 deficit to win 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2.

Karolina Muchova wowed fans with a stunning 360-degree pickup and pass shot during her match against Katie Boulter, ultimately winning 7-6 (3), 6-1.

Off the court, the WTA announced that beginning in 2027, all combined WTA 1000 events will offer equal prize money, a milestone in the tournament's history. This announcement came alongside a new tournament in Manila, Philippines.

The week was marked by Daria Snigur's dominant performance, as she took just 47 minutes to defeat Taylah Preston 6-1, 6-0. Also noteworthy was Sabalenka’s 6-1, 6-3 victory over Renata Zarazua, where she hit 36 winners, outpacing Zarazua's total points won.