Aryna Sabalenka injury forces China Open withdrawal

Aryna Sabalenka injury rules her out of the 2025 China Open as she recovers from a knock sustained during her US Open title run

Aryna Sabalenka injury concerns have ruled the world number one out of the 2025 China Open, as the Belarusian continues to recover from a knock sustained during her triumphant US Open title defence earlier this month.

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Organisers confirmed on Wednesday that Sabalenka, 27, would miss the WTA 1000 event in Beijing, which begins on 24 September, citing her incomplete recovery from a “small injury” picked up at Flushing Meadows.

Sabalenka, who defeated Amanda Anisimova to retain her US Open crown just 10 days ago, expressed her disappointment on Chinese social media platform Weibo.

“I am very sad to announce that I won’t be able to play in Beijing this year,” she wrote.

“I sustained a small injury at the US Open and I am going to focus on recovery and strive to return at 100 per cent.”

Her absence is a significant blow to the tournament, where she reached the quarter-finals last year, and comes at a crucial moment in the WTA calendar as players gear up for the season-ending events.

The Aryna Sabalenka injury is not expected to threaten her participation in the Wuhan Open next month, where she is scheduled to defend her title.

However, her team will likely monitor her condition closely in the coming weeks.

Despite the setback, Sabalenka ended her post with a note of optimism: “I can’t wait to see my Chinese fans soon. I look forward to returning to Beijing next year.”

The Belarusian’s form has been formidable in 2025, with four titles including her second US Open, and she remains a dominant force at the top of the women’s game.

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As fans await her return, attention turns to how her absence may shift the dynamics in Beijing—opening the door for other top seeds to challenge for the title in her stead.