Sabalenka, Djokovic lead a star-studded slate on Day 3

On Day 3 at the China Open, Aryna Sabalenka’s revenge tour begins.

Just 18 days ago, Sabalenka lost the U.S. Open final, surrendering her chance at a three-peat, the No. 1 ranking and a satisfying finish to her Grand Slam season and 2026 campaign.

Now, in her first match since losing the top spot to Elena Rybakina, Sabalenka will begin her Asian Swing against Renata Zarazúa in the primetime second-round spotlight match on the Diamond Court. 

“I’m excited to play more matches, play more tennis,” Sabalenka said. “I feel like I’m fresher. I’m kind of sad that we are in the last portion of the season.”

Sabalenka has never won the title in Beijing, with her best finish being three quarterfinals appearances in 2018, 2023 and 2024. 

READ MORE: Sabalenka walks the runway, now back on court

Another global star will be on Friday’s docket. 

After dominating Nuno Borges in his first match back at the China Open since 2015, Novak Djokovic will face his next challenge in Chinese native Bu Yunchaokete. 

“Well, playing a Chinese player in China is definitely not fun,” the six-time event champion said, smiling. “I'm sure it's going to be an electric atmosphere.”

READ MORE: Chinese fans give Djokovic a hero’s welcome

The crowd showed out for Bu in his first match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, but with Djokovic’s popularity in China, those cheers are not guaranteed. 

Bu is making his third appearance at the China Open, with a semifinal run in 2024 already under his belt. 

READ MORE: Bu happy to be home, ready for Djokovic challenge

Another top player, Daniil Medvedev, is coming off a deep tournament run, winning the Hangzhou Open title earlier this week. The No. 3 seed will need to overcome fatigue to fight off qualifier Pablo Carreño Busta, a former World No. 6. 

Also on tap, another major titleholder takes the court to continue her Asian Swing run after a quarterfinals appearance at the Singapore Open last week. 

French Open champion Mirra Andreeva begins her campaign against Chinese player Yuan Yue. The 19-year-old, who is seeded No. 4 and has won three singles titles this year, hopes to end the season off strong and solidify her spot in the WTA Finals. 

Andreeva and Yuan have never played, but with the Beijing crowd behind her, Yuan will be a force to be reckoned with. 

READ MORE: Andreeva hits the red carpet at China Open Player Party

Other WTA Finals hopefuls include No. 7 seed Karolina Muchova and No. 5 seed Linda Noskova. The two will face off against Katie Boulter and Elena-Gabriela Ruse, respectively, as they aim to finish their year off strong. 

By Isabel Kirkwood and Maya Sabapathy