Sabalenka Roars Back to Defend Wuhan Title

On October 8th, 2025, world number one Aryna Sabalenka fought back from a slow start to defeat Rebecca Sramkova and retain her Wuhan Open title. Just over a month after winning her first Grand Slam of the year at the US Open, Sabalenka struggled with her game in the opening set, but eventually settled in to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory.

Sabalenka, the three-time defending champion in Wuhan, admitted she had difficulty finding her rhythm after the break following her US Open triumph. However, the Belarusian star regained her form in the second set, breaking Sramkova early and fending off several break points to level the match. With momentum on her side, Sabalenka then dominated the third set, breaking twice and saving four more break points to wrap up the victory.

The win extends Sabalenka's impressive record in Wuhan, where she has now been crowned champion in 2018, 2019, and 2024 following the tournament's three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sabalenka, who has earned the nickname "Tiger of Wuhan" for her dominance at the event, expressed her joy at feeling at home in the city and hopes to continue her success there.