US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka withdraws from upcoming China Open, will return to defend crown in Wuhan

Following her impressive run to the 2025 US Open title, World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has announced she will be unable to compete at the fan-favorite China Open, which runs from September 24-October 5, 2025.

The big-hitting Belarusian was in dominant form during her two weeks in New York. Sabalenka dropped just one set en route to the title, taking down Amanda Anisimova in straight sets to win her fourth Grand Slam singles title.

After fulfilling her media obligations, Sabalenka was scheduled to compete at the China Open, one of the biggest WTA events of the Asian swing. However, the 27-year old announced she had picked up an injury, which forced her to withdraw from the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.

"Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the 2025 China Open due to a minor injury," read a statement from the China Open's official social media account. "We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming her back to Beijing."

A fourth straight Wuhan title is still in play for Sabalenka

The WTA's top player hopes to return in time for the Wuhan Open, which runs from October 6-12. A WTA 1000 event, Sabalenka has prevailed at the last three consecutive editions, defeating China's Qinwen Zheng in the 2024 final.

Sabalenka has been in great form during the 2025 season, having reached at least the semifinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments. The Minsk native lost to Americans Madison Keys and Coco Gauff at the Australian Open and French Open finals respectively.

The Wimbledon Championships saw Sabalenka steamroll through her competition, till she faced Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals. The American would get the better of the World No.1 in three sets, booking her spot in her maiden Grand Slam final.

With no major titles under her belt in 2025, Sabalenka's last chance at Grand Slam glory rested in a solid performance at Flushing Meadows. The Belarusian would live up to expectations, asserting her dominance in New York to cement her hold on the World No.1 ranking.