World number one Aryna Sabalenka continued her remarkable dominance at the Wuhan Open on Friday, defeating eighth seed Elena Rybakina 6-3, 6-3 to extend her unbeaten streak at the tournament to 20 consecutive matches.
The Belarusian star, a three-time defending champion, showcased her trademark power and precision to dispatch Rybakina in straight sets, advancing to the semi-finals where she will face American Jessica Pegula. Sabalenka, who previously won the Wuhan title in 2018, 2019, and 2024, has now cemented her position as one of the most consistent players in WTA history.
“It’s always a battle against Elena. She pushes me to the limit every time,” Sabalenka said after the match. “I feel at home playing here in Wuhan. Honestly, that’s just crazy.”
Having successfully defended her US Open crown in September, Sabalenka displayed clinical control from the start. She sealed the opening set with a confident service game, then broke Rybakina early in the second set to take command. Despite a few late errors, she closed out the match with ease to maintain her incredible winning streak on Chinese soil.
According to Opta statistics, Sabalenka is now the fourth woman since 1990 to win her first 20 main draw matches at a single WTA tournament, joining legends Monica Seles (33-0 at the Australian Open), Steffi Graf (25-0 in Leipzig), and Caroline Wozniacki (20-0 in New Haven).
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In the day’s other quarter-final clashes, Jessica Pegula overcame Czech Katerina Siniakova 2-6, 6-0, 6-3 to book her place in the semis, marking her 50th victory of the season. “I guess I’m in really good shape,” Pegula joked after the match. The sixth seed has won six of her last seven three-set battles and will now face Sabalenka for a spot in the final.
Meanwhile, world number three Coco Gauff advanced comfortably after dismantling Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-3, 6-0. The French Open champion, who has dropped just nine games in three rounds, will face either second seed Iga Swiatek or seventh seed Jasmine Paolini next.
On the men’s side, Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech caused a major upset at the Shanghai Masters, eliminating 12th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-4. The 30-year-old joins his cousin, Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot, in the quarter-finals after both players knocked out top-seeded opponents in back-to-back upsets.
Sabalenka’s victory in Wuhan not only reinforces her dominance but also strengthens her momentum heading into the WTA Finals. Her commanding performance and emotional bond with Chinese fans continue to define her as one of the sport’s most captivating champions.
