BEIJING: 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.
The world number two from Belarus next faces Czech player Nikola Bartunkova in the round of 32.
Sabalenka groaned over a smattering of unforced errors during the 62-minute match but had the clear edge over Mexico's Zarazua, ranked 94th, breaking to win on the second time of asking.
"I was just trying to stay focused on myself. Tried to stay aggressive on my serve, on the return as well," the 28-year-old said.
