Aryna Sabalenka Survives Scare In Wuhan, Keeps Perfect Streak Alive

Just when you thought Aryna Sabalenka might be nursing a US Open hangover, she reminded everyone why she’s the queen of Wuhan. But it wasn’t a walk in the park. In her first match since hoisting her fourth Grand Slam trophy in New York, the world No. 1 had to dig deep, shake off some serious rust, and battle back from a set down to fend off a fiery Rebecca Sramkova. The final score read 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. For a while there, it looked like an upset was brewing.

A Shaky Start For the Champ

Coming off a month-long break, Sabalenka looked, well, human. Her game was riddled with uncharacteristic errors, and her powerhouse serve wasn’t quite firing on all cylinders. Sramkova, ranked 68th, came out swinging for the fences and took full advantage. The Slovakian played like she had nothing to lose, cracking winners and breaking Sabalenka’s serve immediately to set the tone.

It was a classic “puncher’s chance” scenario, and for one set, the underdog was landing all the big blows. Sramkova was blasting returns and playing with a fearless aggression that left Sabalenka looking frustrated and searching for answers.

How Sabalenka Flipped the Switch

Championship mettle isn’t just about playing well when you’re on; it’s about finding a way to win when you’re not. Down a set, Sabalenka did what champions do: she got to work. She started to absorb Sramkova’s power and extend the rallies, slowly but surely finding her rhythm. The turning point came midway through the second set. With Sramkova threatening to keep the pressure on, Sabalenka slammed a couple of huge winners to snatch a crucial break.

From there, the momentum was all hers. The tentative shots from the first set were replaced by thunderous groundstrokes. She started saving break points like it was her job—all nine of them in the final two sets. By the third set, it was vintage Sabalenka. She was in complete control, steamrolling through the decider to keep her perfect record in Wuhan intact at a staggering 18-0.

“I have to say she played incredible tennis, especially in the first set,” Sabalenka said afterward. “I knew that after that little break it would not be easy… but I’m really glad that in the second set I found my game.” They call her the “Daughter of Wuhan” for a reason. Even on an off day, she finds a way to win in her favorite hunting ground.