Sabalenka and Rybakina Stunned in Beijing as Alcaraz Advances in Tokyo

Shocks in Beijing: Top Seeds Stunned

Another major surprise shook the Beijing tournament as the top two seeds in the women's draw were eliminated before the end of the third round, marking a rare decade-first occurrence. Just a day after Elena Rybakina suffered a shock defeat, Aryna Sabalenka also exited the tournament following a 6:3, 6:4 loss to Nikola Bartunkova.

Sabalenka, ranked number two in the world, was broken three times and became Bartunkova's second top-ten victim of the season. The young Czech player previously ousted Belinda Bencic at the Australian Open, securing one of the biggest victories of her professional career.

"First of all, I focused on myself and tried to stay calm," Bartunkova said. "Aryna is great, she is a legend and a Grand Slam champion, so I am very happy with this win."

Historic Upsets and Rising Stars

The wave of upsets began less than 24 hours earlier when Rybakina, playing her first tournament as the world number one, fell 3:6, 6:4, 6:3 to Alina Charaeva. For Charaeva, it was her career-first match against a top-20 opponent, and she became the first player representing Armenia to defeat a world number one since the WTA rankings began in 1975.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Chinese sensation Sun Xinran continues to steal the show in Beijing. The reigning junior US Open champion secured a 6:4, 7:5 victory over Spain's Cristina Bucsa, setting up a clash against world number four Coco Gauff.

Alcaraz Advances in Tokyo

In Tokyo, Carlos Alcaraz continued his positive comeback after a four-month absence due to a wrist injury. The top seed and defending champion advanced to the Japan Open semi-finals after Denis Shapovalov was forced to retire due to a thigh injury while trailing 7:6 (4), 2:1.

Alcaraz will face compatriot Jaume Munar in the semi-finals after Munar defeated French qualifier Kyrian Jacquet in straight sets.