There was a big shock on day two of the Tianjin Open on Wednesday night, as defending champion Caroline Garcia was soundly beaten by China's unseeded Wang Yafan.
For 25-year-old Wang, it was one of the biggest wins of her career. But Garcia, who was seeded fourth and wanted to clinch back-to-back titles in China, was well below her best in a 6-4, 6-2 loss.
"In the first set I had a little bit of pressure. But after that I felt relaxed and played better," said a delighted Wang. The Chinese No. 4 will face Sweden's Rebecca Peterson in the quarter-finals, looking to build on what is already her best performance in Tianjin.
Caroline Garcia's Tianjin Open title defense came to a grinding halt against Wang Yafan at Tianjin Open, October 9, 2019. /VCG Photo
Meanwhile, another Chinese hopeful Wang Xiyu's campaign came to a premature end as the 18-year-old suffered a 6-4 6-2 defeat at the hands of Tunisian star Ons Jabeur in 75-minute game.
Up next for Jabeur is a meeting with world No. 36 Yulia Putintseva, who produced an impressive display to beat 2011 US Open champion Samantha Stosur.