Aryna Sabalenka won her first match since the US Open final with a stoic performance against ‘tricky’ Thai qualifier Mananchaya Sawangkaew in Beijing.
Aryna Sabalenka overcame a plucky Mananchaya Sawangkaew in her first match of the China Open, winning 6-4, 6-1.
Sabalenka’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline play overwhelmed Sawangkaew, who struggled to match the world number two’s intensity.
After a tight first set, Sabalenka, who hasn’t played since defeating Jessica Pegula in the US Open final, took full control in the second, breaking her opponent multiple times.
The Belarusian was made to work against an opponent 185 ranking spots below her in the world, however ultimately extended her unbeaten streak to 13.
Aryna Sabalenka cites difficult conditions after battling through in Beijing
Having taken some time off after capturing her second Grand Slam of the year, Sabalenka is the top seed in Beijing after Iga Swiatek’s withdrawal.
With title-challenger Elena Rybakina also pulling out of the China Open, Sabalenka is eyeing up a potential rematch with Pegula in the final.
Having made heavy work of her opener, she said in her press conference: “I’m super happy to get through this match. I played some really tricky tennis. For this surface with these balls, it’s can be really tough to play against.”
The world number to continued: “In the first set I was struggling a little bit with the rhythm, with the speed of the court, with the way balls are getting heavier. Yeah, was just trying to find my rhythm.
“In the second set, seems like everything start working much better. Everything was getting back together. I think that’s why it was more smooth and better quality.”
Who is Aryna Sabalenka’s next China Open opponent?
With Sabalenka expected to cruise to the final, her first-round wobble may have opened the door slightly for the likes of Pegula and Coco Gauff, the latter looking for a resurgence after parting ways with coach Brad Gilbert.
Sabalenka is to face America’s 20-year-old Ashlyn Krueger in the next round in Beijing, an opponent she has never faced.
The young American notched up an impressive win against Wimbledon quarter-finalist Lulu Sun in straight sets to set up the tie with the Belarusian.
While the 20-year-old reached her career-high of 51 earlier this year, Sabalenka will only grow into the tournament and will likely take this one without too much trouble.
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