“Unstoppable in Wuhan: Aryna Sabalenka Fights Back to Keep Perfect Record Alive”

Aryna Sabalenka’s return to the court today was anything but smooth sailing — yet it ended exactly as her fans have come to expect: with victory. The World No. 1 overcame a shaky start to defeat Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, and extend her unbeaten streak in Wuhan to an incredible 18-0.

Coming off her US Open triumph just weeks ago, many wondered how quickly Sabalenka would rediscover her rhythm. The opening set raised more questions than answers. Sramkova played fearlessly, breaking early and forcing Sabalenka into long rallies that tested her patience. The Belarusian’s signature power was there, but her timing and precision lagged behind — a reminder that even the best need a few games to shake off the rust.

Then came the turnaround.

With her trademark roar and a steely glare, Sabalenka flipped the script in the second set. She began to find her range on serve, landing over 70 percent of her first deliveries and unleashing 10 winners. Her footwork grew sharper, her shot selection more calculated. From the sidelines, her coach could be heard urging her to “play her game,” and that’s exactly what she did — overwhelming Sramkova with heavy baseline hitting and fearless aggression.

By the deciding set, it was all Sabalenka. She broke serve twice in the opening games and never looked back, sealing the win with a thunderous ace. The final set was a statement — not just of power, but of composure. It showed why Sabalenka is the reigning queen of Wuhan, a venue that has witnessed some of her most dominant performances.

After the match, Sabalenka smiled as she addressed reporters: “It’s never easy playing your first match after a big win. But I love the atmosphere here in Wuhan. It always brings out my best tennis.”

Indeed, it did. The win moves her into the third round, where she’ll face a tougher challenge — possibly against a Top 20 opponent. But if today’s comeback proved anything, it’s that Sabalenka’s fire remains undimmed.

Her fans will be thrilled not only by her resilience but also by her unbreakable bond with the city that has become her fortress. Whether she’s smashing aces or breaking records, Aryna Sabalenka continues to remind the tennis world why she’s the player everyone is chasing.