The “Tiger Girl” returned to roar in Beijing.

Aryna Sabalenka, sporting her well-known tiger tattoo on the inside of her left forearm, was adored by fans carrying tiger-themed bags and merchandise as she dominated Renata Zarazua 6-1, 6-3 in the primetime match on Day 3 at the China Open. The No. 2 seed needed just 62 minutes to advance from the Round of 64.

It was Sabalenka’s first match since losing the U.S. Open final and her No. 1 world ranking in New York. Her clinical win showed no signs of rust. 

“Not much to complain about,” Sabalenka said. “Happy with the focus, happy basically with the performance, so happy to be through.” 

Sabalenka will face No. 26 seed Nikola Bartunkova next.

On Friday, the Tiger Girl left the crowd purring, as they chanted her name in between points at the packed Diamond Court. 

“I’m so shocked to see all the full crowd today and to see a lot of kids cheering for me, bringing all of the posters, being creative with the gifts, being supportive of me,” Sabalenka said. “I’m super grateful for that. Just want to send them love and send them ‘thank you so much’.”

Sabalenka absolutely dominated the first set, with Zarazua only winning 18 total points. With 11 aces and zero double faults, Sabalenka controlled the match through the serve. She won 22 of 25 first-serve points. 

However, she did let her emotions and frustration show through at times during the second set. 

“I think that is a good and a bad side of my personality that I always ask of myself and wait for more from myself,” she said. “Sometimes, it can drive me forward, but sometimes it can really drain my energy. 

“Maybe this is something I have to finally learn. Might be able to learn it when I turn 30 or something, I’m really trying so hard to be easier on myself.”

This season, Sabalenka fell short in two Grand Slam finals and lost her top spot after 99 weeks. 

Reflecting on the season, Sabalenka was honest about her struggles.

“This year, half of the season I wasn’t performing well,” she said. “I was struggling with several things. If the season goes well, by the end of the season, you feel a little bit like you don’t have energy and power to keep pushing.”

Sabalenka feels positive going into the rest of the China Open as she seeks her first title in Beijing. 

“This season is a different story,” she said, “so I feel fresh and ready to go.” 

By Sierra Hanson