Aryna Sabalenka made a strong comeback in her first match since clinching the US Open title, defeating Rebecca Sramkova at the 2025 Wuhan Open. This victory marks her continued dominance in the tournament, where she is a three-time defending champion.
Match Overview
Sabalenka faced Sramkova, the world number 68, in an intense opening match. Although she stumbled initially, losing the first set 4-6, she regained her form to win the next two sets 6-3, 6-1.
Sabalenka’s Performance
The world number one struggled with errors early in the match, which allowed Sramkova to capitalize on Sabalenka’s weakness. However, Sabalenka managed to find her rhythm and make a significant turnaround in the second set.
- First Set: Lost 4-6
- Second Set: Won 6-3
- Third Set: Won 6-1
Post-match, Sabalenka acknowledged the challenge of returning to competitive play after her US Open success. “I knew it would not be easy after the break to get into my rhythm,” she stated. Her performance improved significantly after the first set.
Defending Champion’s Legacy
Sabalenka is known for her exceptional track record at the Wuhan Open, winning titles in 2018, 2019, and 2024. Discussing her affection for the tournament, she humorously mentioned various nicknames she has earned during her career.
- “Daughter of China”
- “Queen of Fried Rice”
- “Tiger,” after speaking with fellow player Zheng Qinwen
Other Matches in the Wuhan Open
In other matches, Coco Gauff showcased her skills with a swift victory over Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima, winning in just 51 minutes. Gauff’s performance was marked by her opponent winning only five points on her serve.
Jessica Pegula also advanced to the next round, narrowly defeating her compatriot Hailey Baptiste in a tightly contested match that lasted nearly three hours.
- Gauff’s Next Opponent: Shuai Zhang
- Pegula’s Next Opponent: Ekaterina Alexandrova
Players faced challenging weather conditions, with heat and humidity forcing some players to retire, including Czech player Karolina Muchova.
Conclusion
As the tournament progresses, Aryna Sabalenka looks to continue her successful run in Wuhan, aiming for yet another title in a tournament where she has consistently excelled.
