Beijing Open: Aryna Sabalenka 'expects a bit more from myself' after win over Renata Zarazua

Aryna Sabalenka said she was "trying so hard to be easier on myself" as she began her China Open campaign with victory over Renata Zarazua.

The Belarusian needed just 63 minutes to win her first match since losing her world number one ranking and her US Open crown to Elena Rybakina in September.

It has been a mixed year for Sabalenka by her high standards. She will finish without a Grand Slam trophy for the first time since 2022 and has often struggled to control her frustrations on court.

"Sometimes it can drive me forward, but sometimes it can really drain my energy.

Sabalenka will face Czech 20-year-old Nikola Bartunkova - who came close to beating her at the Berlin Open in June - in the third round.

Earlier, Britain's Katie Boulter fell 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 to Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova, while French Open champion Mirra Andreeva recovered to beat Chinese wildcard Yuan Yue 3-6 6-0 6-0.

British pair Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool advanced in the doubles, beating Russia's Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov 6-3 6-4.

Novak Djokovic progressed to the third round of the men's tournament with a 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 victory over China's Bu Yunchaokete.

Djokovic needed a medical timeout after giving back a break in the second set, accepting a time violation as he fought to regain his breath between points.

Djokovic found his rhythm in the decider as he won four games in a row sealing victory after two hours and 52 minutes with a backhand winner.

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