The Belarusian, who competes under a neutral flag, started the first set strongly and had a 5-0 lead. Then Zhuoxuan Bai got going, managing to reduce the deficit 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 am very happy with my victory. There is always room for improvement," she said, according to AFP.
In the third round, she will either face Anastasia Potapova of Russia, or Emma Raducanu of Great Britain.
