Alina Charaeva pulled off a sensational upset over world number one Rybakina at the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing

Armenian tennis player Alina Charaeva recorded one of the biggest victories of her career. The 24-year-old, ranked No.118 in the WTA rankings, defeated world No.1 Elena Rybakina in the second round of the WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing.

Charaeva lost the opening set but managed to turn the match around and claimed a comeback victory in three sets — 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.

It was Rybakina’s first match as the world No.1. The Kazakhstan representative had climbed to the top of the WTA rankings following her US Open triumph, but was unable to begin her spell at No.1 with a victory.

After the match, Charaeva could hardly contain her emotions after defeating the three-time Grand Slam champion.

“I don’t have words. This is incredible. She’s an amazing player, and for me it’s kind of a dream come true,” Charaeva said.

The Armenian player also said she was happy to stay in Beijing for a few more days, adding: “Never stop believing, I guess.”

The victory sent Charaeva into the round of 32 at the China Open. Her next opponent will be Britain’s Sonay Kartal, who is ranked No.129 in the WTA standings.

This is Charaeva’s debut appearance in Beijing, and already in her second match at the tournament she has produced one of the most impressive wins of her career.