Sabalenka Battles Back to Win in Wuhan After US Open Glory

Wuhan: Aryna Sabalenka made a winning return to the WTA Tour as she overcame a slow start to defeat Rebecca Sramkova 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in her first match since capturing the US Open title.

The world number one, who lifted her first Grand Slam trophy of the year in New York by defeating Amanda Anisimova, struggled initially against the 68th-ranked Slovak, losing the opening set amid double faults and unforced errors.

Sramkova’s aggressive baseline hitting and powerful serves seemed to trouble Sabalenka, earning her an early break and the first set 6-4. However, the four-time major champion soon regained her rhythm, striking back in the second set and eventually dominating the decider to secure victory.

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"I knew it would not be easy after the break following the US Open to get into my rhythm," Sabalenka said. "But I am glad in the second set I found my game, I stepped in and I played really great."

Sabalenka, a three-time Wuhan champion, added a personal touch to her nickname story, saying, "First I was 'Daughter of China,' then 'Queen of Fried Rice.' And then Qinwen calls me 'Tiger.' I feel at home here and hope to go all the way."

With the win, Sabalenka will face Liudmila Samsonova next, who beat former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.

Other notable results saw Coco Gauff easily reach the third round with a 51-minute victory over Moyuka Uchijima, while sixth seed Jessica Pegula survived a marathon 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (8-6) win over Hailey Baptiste. Naomi Osaka, however, was upset by Linda Noskova 7-6 (7-2), 6-3.

The Wuhan Open continues to test players with heat and humidity, forcing Czech 12th seed Karolina Muchova to retire against Poland’s Magdalena Frech.