The Belarusian, who competes under a neutral flag, started the first set strongly and had a 5-0 lead. Then Bai Zhuoxuan got going, managing to reduce it to 3-5 before Sabalenka won the set 6-3.
The second set never got as exciting, ending 6–1 to Sabalenka.
"Step by step. I'm very happy with my victory. There is always room for improvement," she said, according to AFP.
In the third round she will face Anastasia Potapova of Russia.
