Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time champion of the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, has returned to the tournament with a warm welcome from the Chinese people, who affectionately refer to her as an “old friend.” Sabalenka, who won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019, is eager to add a third trophy to her collection as the tournament returns to the calendar as a WTA 1000 after a five-year hiatus.
Since her previous victories in Wuhan, Sabalenka has become a three-time Grand Slam winner in singles and the world No. 2. She is also the main rival for Chinese tennis hero Zheng Qinwen, whom she has defeated twice in US Open semifinals and once in the Australian Open final.
Sabalenka’s return to Wuhan has been met with great enthusiasm from fans, who have showered her with gifts and autographs. She has been particularly popular for her forearm tattoo, which is a nod to her being born during the Year of the Tiger (1998).
In addition to her personal achievements, Sabalenka is also looking to cut down the gap in ranking points between herself and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who pulled out of the tournament. Victory in Wuhan would put Sabalenka less than 100 points from the WTA’s top ranking.
However, Sabalenka remains focused on her own performance rather than the ranking. “I prefer to focus on myself, and when I’m on court I’m just trying to bring my best tennis and fight for every point,” she said. “If I’m able to play my best tennis, then I will become world No. 1.”
Sabalenka will face Katerina Siniakova in the second round of the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open.
