Aryna Sabalenka, fresh off her second consecutive US Open title, has withdrawn from the upcoming China Open due to injury, tournament organizers confirmed on Wednesday.
The Belarusian tennis ace, who defeated Amanda Anisimova earlier this month to claim her fourth Grand Slam title, announced the decision via a statement shared by the event.
“I am sad to announce my withdrawal from the China Open this year after sustaining a small injury after the U.S. Open,” Sabalenka said. “I am going to focus on being 100% healthy for the rest of the year.”
Sabalenka had reached the quarterfinals of the China Open last year and was expected to be one of the top contenders in the 2025 edition, scheduled to take place from September 24 to October 5 at the National Tennis Centre in Beijing.
Her absence opens up the field for other top players, including defending champion Coco Gauff, who will look to retain her title in the WTA 1000 event. Sabalenka’s withdrawal is a setback for fans hoping to see her continue her dominant form in Asia, but her focus on recovery signals a strategic move ahead of the season’s final stretch.
