Aryna Sabalenka maintained her unbeaten record at the Wuhan Open, securing her third title at this prestigious tournament, and edging closer to Iga Swiatek in the world rankings. Having previously won the title during her visits in 2018 and 2019, Sabalenka showcased her dominance again following the tournament’s return to the schedule this year.
In an exhilarating final, the Belarusian star faced off against home favorite Zheng Qinwen, battling through an intense match that ended with scores of 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 in favor of Sabalenka. This victory not only marked her third Wuhan Open crown but also positioned her just 69 points behind Swiatek in the rankings, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown at the upcoming WTA Finals next month.
Zheng, the fifth seed, had struggled in her previous encounters with Sabalenka, failing to win a set in three earlier meetings, including in the final of the Australian Open this year. However, this time it was a much tighter contest as Zheng displayed resilience and skill. After dropping the first set and facing a break in the second, she mounted a remarkable comeback, gaining a 5-3 lead in the second set. Although she couldn’t serve out for the set, Zheng managed to break Sabalenka for the third time, ultimately leveling the match and creating a suspenseful atmosphere.
In the deciding set, Sabalenka regained her composure and took control early on. Despite Zheng’s valiant efforts to claw her way back into the match, the top seed maintained her lead. The tension escalated as Sabalenka approached her match point, but she remained focused and clinched victory on her third attempt, capping off a thrilling tournament with her characteristic power and poise. This victory not only solidifies her status on the court but also sets up an exciting narrative leading into the WTA Finals, where fans can anticipate a captivating battle between two of the top players in women’s tennis.
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