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Charaeva Stuns World No. 1 Rybakina in China Open Upset!
7 Oct
Summary
- Alina Charaeva defeated World No. 1 Elena Rybakina
- Zheng Qinwen has played over eight hours on court so far
- Charaeva is the lowest-ranked player to beat a World No. 1
Alina Charaeva, ranked World No. 118, has reached the fourth round of the 2026 China Open after a series of unexpected victories. She secured a significant upset by defeating the newly crowned World No. 1, Elena Rybakina, with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 scoreline. This remarkable win makes Charaeva the lowest-ranked player in WTA history to defeat a World No. 1 after coming from a set down.
Charaeva's opponent in the Round of 16 is the home favorite, wildcard Zheng Qinwen. Zheng has had a demanding route to this stage, requiring three-set victories in all her previous matches, accumulating over eight hours on court. Despite the physical toll, Zheng has demonstrated resilience, winning 13 of her 21 matches this season in deciding sets, with her serve being a notable weapon.
