Photo via Yahoo Sports

Elena Rybakina joins Naomi Osaka on unwanted list after losing her first match as the world number one in Beijing

Elena Rybakina suffered a surprise defeat to Alina Charaeva at the China Open in Beijing, losing 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in her opening match as the world number one. This loss places Rybakina alongside Naomi Osaka as the only players in WTA history to drop their first match after reaching the top ranking.

Osaka previously experienced a similar opening defeat against Kristina Mladenovic at the Dubai Tennis Championships in 2019 following her Australian Open victory. Rybakina noted that she continues to manage an ongoing foot issue.

Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek holds the record for the longest winning streak immediately after claiming the number one spot, winning her first twenty matches during a historic thirty-seven match run.

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