Aryna Sabalenka achieved a significant milestone by defeating Elena Rybakina in straight sets during the quarterfinals of the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open. The World No. 1 secured a convincing victory with a score of 6-3, 6-3 in just 1 hour and 25 minutes. This match marked Sabalenka’s first win over Rybakina without dropping a set.
Match Highlights
Entering the match, Sabalenka held a 7-5 advantage in their head-to-head encounters. However, all her previous victories against Rybakina had extended to three sets. Sabalenka noted the intensity of their rivalry during her on-court interview, stating, “We have a really huge history against each other. Always great battles, always push me to the limit to get the win.”
Wuhan Dominance
This latest victory solidifies Sabalenka’s incredible record at the Wuhan Open, where she remains undefeated with a perfect 20-0 score. Sabalenka is now only two wins away from clinching her fourth consecutive title at this prestigious tournament, following her success since 2019. She currently rides a winning streak of nine matches.
Upcoming Semifinals
Next, Sabalenka will face the No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula in the semifinals. Historically, Sabalenka has performed well against Pegula, holding an 8-2 record against her, including a perfect 4-0 in their encounters over the last two seasons.
Key Match Moments
- Tight Start: The first six games saw both players exchange powerful shots with no breaks of serve.
- Turning Point: At 3-3 in the first set, a missed forehand by Rybakina allowed Sabalenka to take charge.
- Five-Game Streak: Sabalenka launched into a five-game run, establishing a lead in the second set.
- Serving Issues: Despite some challenges with double faults, Sabalenka maintained her composure to close out the match.
Ultimately, Sabalenka showcased her skill and determination, navigating through critical moments to secure this important victory, further extending her remarkable Wuhan record.
