Overview

• Gauff dispatched Kamilla Rakhimova 6-4, 6-0 to reach the last 32 as she begins her title defense in Beijing.
• Leylah Fernandez awaits next after the Canadian defeated Maria Sakkari 6-2, 6-0.
• The defending champion’s path is reshaped by Aryna Sabalenka’s withdrawal, with Iga Swiatek arriving in form after a title in Seoul.
• Carlos Alcaraz said players are fighting “to have something better,” describing the current landscape as “a mess” between the tours and the majors.
• Reports say top names including Jannik Sinner, Gauff and Sabalenka signed a second letter to the Grand Slams seeking a larger revenue share, expanded benefits and more influence.