Aryna Sabalenka marked her return to the court with a hard-fought victory over Rebecca Sramkova at the Wuhan Open 2025. This match was her first appearance following her victory at the US Open, where she claimed her first Grand Slam title of the year by defeating Amanda Anisimova.
Match Overview
In this opening round match, Sabalenka demonstrated resilience despite a challenging start. Initially, her performance was marred by errors, facing tough competition from the world number 68, Sramkova. Sabalenka lost the first set 4-6 but steadied her shot-making to claim the next two sets, winning the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Match Highlights
- Sabalenka’s first match since winning the US Open.
- Struggled early with several double faults and rhythm issues.
- Regained form in the second set, leading to improved performance in the third.
- Final score: Sabalenka 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 Sramkova.
Sabalenka expressed her satisfaction at rebounding after a lengthy break. “I knew it would be not easy… but I am glad in the second set I found my game,” she remarked. She praised Sramkova’s strong initial performance, noting her impressive tennis.
Defending Champion Status
As a three-time defending champion in Wuhan, Sabalenka has a strong connection to the tournament, having previously won in 2018, 2019, and 2024, following a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She humorously acknowledged her multitude of nicknames in the region and expressed her aspirations to go far in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
After her victory, Sabalenka will advance to face Liudmila Samsonova, who secured her place in the next round by defeating former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin with a scoreline of 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Other Matches of Note
- Coco Gauff won her match against Moyuka Uchijima in just 51 minutes.
- Jessica Pegula narrowly defeated Hailey Baptiste in a grueling two hours and 55 minutes.
- Naomi Osaka was eliminated by Linda Noskova, continuing her inconsistent performance.
- Karolina Muchova retired from her match due to challenging weather conditions.
The ongoing heat and humidity have posed difficulties for several competitors, impacting their performances at the Wuhan Open. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect thrilling matches and high-stakes confrontations.
