China Open roundup: Andreeva and Sabalenka advance, Djokovic beats Bu

Novak Djokovic continued his China Open unbeaten run by defeating Bu Yunchaokete, while Mirra Andreeva and Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the third round here on Friday.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory against China's Bu Yunchaokete during their men's singles match at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on October 2, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

World No.5 Andreeva swept past Chinese Yuan Yue 3-6, 6-0, 6-0 and moved into the next round after an unsatisfactory first set.

Yuan successfully converted on her break point after long rallies and took the first set at 6-3. However, Andreeva bounced back and sealed her victory by winning next two sets.

Reflecting on her slow start, the 2026 French Open winner said: "She is a tough player, especially at her home court, I was stressed and super mad at myself. Then I was able to turn this anger into strength, trying to play more aggressively and attentively, move better and gain more press."

Russia's Mirra Andreeva hits a return to China's Yuan Yue during their women's singles second round tennis match at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on October 2, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka stormed past Mexican Reneta Zarazua 6-1, 6-3 with supremely powerful aces and strong baseline skills.

"I serve and return well. I am happy for this game today and hope to push more and perform aggressively the next match," Sabalenka said after the match.

Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka hits a return to Mexico's Renata Zarazua during their women's singles match at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on October 2, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Elsewhere, Naomi Osaka of Japan and Daria Snigur of Ukraine also advanced into next round.

In men's singles, six-time China Open champion Novak Djokovic extended his unbeaten record to 31 matches, defeating Chinese Bu 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2.

The 39-year-old veteran saved multiple break points before losing the first set to the 24-year-old. The second set was dragged to tie-break and the Serbian made the most of his characteristic serves to take it.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) hugs China's Bu Yunchaokete after his victory in their men's singles match at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on October 2, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

The owner of 24 grand slams continued his attack and sealed the match after winning the third set.

"I tried to keep myself on this court for the last three hours and it's almost midnight," said Djokovic after the match. "I want to keep this record for me and all of you guys."

In other matches, Russia's Daniil Medvedev had a comfortable win over Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and sailed into the next round at 6-4, 6-2.

Karen Khachanov saw off Alex Molcan 7-5, 6-3, while Hubert Hurkacz won over Arthur Gea 7-6 (3), 6-7 (5), 6-2.