Aryna Sabalenka Wuhan Open journey began with a strong comeback as she won her first match since lifting the US Open trophy. The world number one fought back to defeat Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the second round of the Wuhan Open.
Sabalenka struggled early, losing the first set after several double faults and unforced errors. Sramkova, ranked 68th in the world, showed powerful hitting and control from the baseline. However, Sabalenka regained her rhythm in the second set and dominated the third with her trademark power and precision.
After the match, the Belarusian star admitted it was tough to return after a break. “It’s never easy after the US Open,” she said. “I’m happy I found my rhythm and played my game again.”
Aryna Sabalenka Wuhan Open record remains remarkable. She has won all 18 of her matches at the tournament, taking titles in 2018, 2019, and 2024. Fans in China have given her fun nicknames like “Daughter of Wuhan” and “Queen of Fried Rice.”
Sabalenka will now face Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova, who defeated Sofia Kenin in three sets. In other matches, Coco Gauff cruised past Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima, and Jessica Pegula survived a tight battle against Hailey Baptiste. Naomi Osaka lost to Czech player Linda Noskova.
With this win, Sabalenka shows her determination to defend her title and extend her dominance in Wuhan once more.
