Pule Mmodi scored after just 108 seconds to give Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa a 1-0 away win over ZESCO United of Zambia on Sunday in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Defeat was a sorry end for former world number one Medvedev, who was also knocked out last year by then-teenage qualifier Tien, in a five-set marathon.
Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, is bidding to reach her fourth straight Melbourne final and avenge a shock defeat last year to Madison Keys.