Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominance at the Wuhan Open with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory over Elena Rybakina on Friday, extending her unbeaten run at the tournament to 20 matches and keeping her bid for a fourth consecutive title alive.
In their 13th career meeting, Sabalenka took early control by breaking Rybakina in the eighth game with a blistering forehand winner.
The world number one, who lifted the Wuhan trophy in 2018, 2019, and 2024, sealed the opening set with authority before immediately breaking again at the start of the second to maintain her momentum.
Despite a few late service hiccups, Sabalenka closed out the match in straight sets, improving her head-to-head record against the Kazakh to 8–5. The win also avenged her loss to Rybakina in Cincinnati earlier this year.
“She’s a great player and always tough to play against,” Sabalenka said afterward. “We’ve had so many great battles, and she always pushes me to the limit. I’m super happy with my performance and the amazing support here. I feel a real connection with the Chinese fans, it feels like home.”
Up next for the Belarusian is Jessica Pegula, who rallied from a set down to beat Katerina Siniakova 2-6, 6-0, 6-3, earning her 50th win of the season and strengthening her WTA Finals hopes.
Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 8–2, including victory in last year’s US Open final.
Elsewhere, Coco Gauff will face Germany’s Laura Siegemund, while second seed Iga Swiatek will battle Jasmine Paolini in a rematch of their 2024 French Open final.
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