Aryna Sabalenka claimed victory at the WTA 1000 tournament in Wuhan, defeating China’s Qinwen Zheng in a thrilling three-set final, 6:3, 5:7, 6:3. Despite a strong challenge from Zheng, particularly in the second set where she managed to equalize the match, Sabalenka held her ground to win the decider and secure her fourth title of the season. This victory further solidifies the Belarusian’s standing in the WTA rankings, keeping her in close contention for the year-end No. 1 spot.
Sabalenka’s Fourth Title of the Season
Sabalenka’s win in Wuhan marks her fourth tournament victory of the year, adding to her triumphs at the Australian Open and US Open. The 1000 ranking points she earned in Wuhan brings her total to 9716, just 69 points behind current world No. 1, Iga Świątek. The Belarusian is poised to reclaim the top spot before the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where she will compete for more crucial points.
Zheng’s Strong Performance Falls Short
Zheng delivered a determined performance in front of her home crowd, taking the second set and putting Sabalenka under pressure. However, the Chinese player could not maintain her momentum in the third set, allowing Sabalenka to close out the match. This win not only gives Sabalenka valuable ranking points but also boosts her confidence heading into the season’s final tournaments.
With the WTA Finals on the horizon, the battle for the No. 1 ranking between Sabalenka and Świątek promises to be a gripping end to the season.
