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Aryna Sabalenka sent down 11 aces as she dismissed Renata Zarazua 6-1, 6-3 to launch her China Open title charge on Friday in Beijing.<\/strong><\/p>\n The world number two from Belarus next faces Czech player Nikola Bartunkova in the round of 32.<\/p>\n Sabalenka groaned over a smattering of unforced errors during the 62-minute match but had the clear edge over Mexico\u2019s Zarazua, ranked 94th, breaking to win on the second time of asking.<\/p>\n \u201cI was just trying to stay focused on myself. Tried to stay aggressive on my serve, on the return as well,\u201d the 28-year-old said.<\/p>\n \u201cSo happy with the game I played today.\u201d<\/p>\n Next on centre court Novak Djokovic was scheduled to play Chinese world no. 104 Bu Yunchaokete in the second round of the men\u2019s 500-level event also taking place.<\/p>\n The 39-year-old Serbian great owns six titles from the China Open and is looking to extend an extraordinary unbeaten streak in Beijing.<\/p>\n Earlier on Friday, Japan\u2019s Naomi Osaka wrestled back control to survive her second-round clash with Uzbekistan\u2019s Maria Timofeeva 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.<\/p>\n The four-time Grand Slam champion next plays Sara Bejlek of the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n French Open champion Mirra Andreeva of Russia overcame a first-set wobble to beat Chinese wildcard Yuan Yue 3-6, 6-0, 6-0.<\/p>\n Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova, a 2025 Beijing finalist, beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-4, 6-1.<\/p>\n Andreeva next faces Uzbekistan\u2019s Polina Kudermetova and Noskova will meet Switzerland\u2019s Viktorija Golubic in the third round.<\/p>\n In the men\u2019s draw, a series of searing forehands from Daniil Medvedev sent qualifier Pablo Carreno Busta home 6-4, 6-2, earning the Russian world number six a second-round meeting with Germany\u2019s Jan-Lennard Struff.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n