World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is back in central China, determined to capture a record-extending fourth title at the WTA 1000 Wuhan Open.
The Belarusian tennis star, who skipped last week’s China Open in Beijing due to a minor injury, said she now feels “physically ready” and excited to return to one of her favorite tournaments.
“I feel so good,” Sabalenka told reporters ahead of her opening match. “I didn’t want to rush my recovery after the US Open, but now I’m fully ready to compete and give my best. Hopefully, I can lift this beautiful trophy once again.”
A three-time Wuhan champion — in 2018, 2019, and 2024 — Sabalenka has long expressed her love for the city’s energy and fans. During her stay, she even took part in a local cooking session. “It was really fun to learn how to cook fried rice,” she laughed. “I might bring some rice back home to try again!”
Reflecting on her season, Sabalenka said maintaining her No. 1 ranking amid fierce competition has been both challenging and rewarding. “This year taught me resilience. Every tough match shaped me into a stronger player,” she noted.
As the 2025 WTA season nears its end, Sabalenka remains focused: “The goal is the same — to keep improving, stay at the top, and see how far I can go.”