Jelena Ostapenko found her stride in Beijing on Saturday, edging Paula Badosa 7-6(5), 7-5 to reach the third round of the China Open and set up a Monday meeting with Elise Mertens. The Latvian, ranked No. 32, secured her fourth victory over Badosa in a tight two-set contest played in front of a crowd she says makes China feel like home.
The former Grand Slam champion arrived in China after a difficult summer in singles, but the Beijing atmosphere has given her a lift. Ostapenko spoke warmly of the reception from local supporters, including the personalised presents she regularly receives during the Asian swing.
“I am really happy to be in China,” Ostapenko said. “The fans here are very special to me. The atmosphere was amazing today, and it feels like a second home. There were so many people supporting me and I received so many lovely gifts. Every one of them is special, so I always love coming back.”
Off court, Ostapenko has been opening a more personal window into life on tour. Alongside her merchandise business and baking-focused Instagram account, she has recently posted more short videos documenting travel, tournament routines and excursions, including a visit to Niagara Falls.
The change came after encouragement from her personal assistant, who urged her to become more active online. Ostapenko initially resisted, before deciding to test the format. The response, particularly on TikTok, has persuaded her to continue.
“She understands marketing and those things very well,” Ostapenko said. “She had told me a few times that I probably needed to be more active on social media. At first I said I did not want to do it, but then I thought, ‘Let’s see what happens.’ It has gone well, especially on TikTok. Some videos have had more than 300,000 views. It is nice for fans to see a little of what is going on behind the scenes.”
Sakkari sets Svitolina test after commanding win
Maria Sakkari also moved into the third round with a brisk 6-2, 6-2 defeat of Storm Hunter. The Greek is now ranked No. 33 and entered the Beijing draw as the No. 25 seed, a significant rise from No. 51 when she began the season at the United Cup in Perth nine months ago.
Sakkari had started 2026 determined to make a measured return towards the top 10, choosing her events more carefully rather than pursuing ranking points at every opportunity. As her season has progressed, however, she says the pressure she placed on herself over rankings has eased.
“At the start of the year, I was obsessed with getting back to the top,” Sakkari said. “I think I have done well by not focusing on it so much. Right now, I am trying to compete, enjoy myself and play as much as I can.”
She remains clear-eyed about the practical value of ranking position, particularly for entry into the biggest tournaments, seeding and avoiding highly ranked opponents in the opening rounds. But she believes shedding the constant need to be among the very best has helped her enjoy the circuit again.
“Rankings matter, of course, but that obsession with being one of the top players has gone away, and that is a good thing,” she said. “I am enjoying the tour much more like this, and I am proud of who I am.”
The Asian swing presents its own test late in the season, with players managing accumulated matches, long travel and fatigue. Sakkari relishes the challenge, even without a Grand Slam waiting at the end of this stretch.
“I never approach lead-up events simply because a Slam is next,” she said. “A lot of players are tired at this point, so it is a good challenge to keep pushing, play quality matches, collect points and try to end the year strongly. The player who manages this trip best and plays best will do well.”
Her next assignment is a demanding one: sixth seed Elina Svitolina, who came through a three-set match against Katerina Siniakova to book her place in the Beijing third round.
