Sabalenka Returns to Action as Zheng Qinwen Pulls Out of Wuhan Open
Aryna Sabalenka is set to defend her Wuhan Open title after a brief injury layoff. Meanwhile, local favorite Zheng Qinwen has withdrawn due to ongoing elbow issues.
“Unfortunately, my body hasn't returned to its best condition...”
World number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to defend her title at the Wuhan Open, her first tournament since winning her fourth Grand Slam singles title at the US Open. She'll face the winner of Rebecca Sramkova or Anna Kalinskaya in the second round, after receiving a first-round bye. Sabalenka has a potentially tricky road to her title defense, with possible quarterfinal matches against eighth seed Elena Rybakina, who beat her in Cincinnati before her US Open triumph.
Victoria Azarenka, the 27-year-old from Belarus, is expected to return to the tennis court at the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan, China. As the reigning champion and a three-time winner of the tournament, Azarenka will be looking to add to her impressive record. The main draw for the event is set to begin on Monday.
Aryna Sabalenka has arrived in Wuhan.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 2, 2025
This will be her first tournament since she defended the U.S. Open title.
Can’t wait to see the world #1 back on a tennis court.
🐅❤️ pic.twitter.com/sFgu2htgam
The tournament boasts a star-studded lineup, featuring top seeds Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, who will be in action in Beijing on Saturday for the semifinals. However, local fans will be disappointed to learn that Olympic champion Zheng has withdrawn from the tournament due to elbow surgery, dealing a blow to home hopes.
Chinese world number nine Zheng Qinwen was forced to retire from her China Open match due to ongoing elbow issues. In a video message, Zheng explained, “Unfortunately, my body hasn't returned to its best condition.” This injury setback has led to her withdrawal from the Wuhan Open, a tournament she considers her hometown event.
Zheng announced her decision to withdraw from the Wuhan Open, saying, “After consulting with doctors and my team, I'm sorry to announce my withdrawal from this year's Wuhan Open.” She expressed her gratitude to her fans, particularly those from her hometown, and hopes to return to Wuhan next year. Zheng's road to recovery will determine her participation in upcoming tournaments.
“After discussing with doctors and my team, I regretfully and unfortunately withdrew from this year's Wuhan Open.
“I'm very grateful for the support from all tennis fans, especially those from my hometown.”
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