Sabalenka’s slump continues with Wuhan Open exit to unseeded Ann Li

Aryna Sabalenka reached the US Open final in September, only to be beaten by Elena Rybakina. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Aryna Sabalenka’s slump deepened on Wednesday when the top-seeded Belarusian was knocked out of the Wuhan Open in the round of 32, beaten 3-6 6-4 7-6(5) by unseeded American Ann Li.

The four-time Grand Slam winner has now gone without a title since her Indian Wells and Miami triumphs earlier in the season, which completed the ‘Sunshine Double’.

Sabalenka did reach the US Open final last month, only to be beaten by Elena Rybakina. That result left the 28-year-old set to end the year without a major for the first time since 2022.

Her recent struggles have also included a third-round loss at the China Open this month and the loss of the world number one spot to Rybakina after the US Open.

Wuhan had previously held positive emotions for Sabalenka, who claimed the trophy in 2018, 2019 and 2024. The WTA 1000 tournament was not staged between 2020 and 2023 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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World No. 31 Li secured the most significant victory of her career after fighting back from 4-2 down in the second set to take the match into a third.

Sabalenka looked in serious trouble when she trailed 4-1 in the decider and required a medical timeout. She then rallied impressively, saving five match points and holding serve to make it 5-3.

But Li stayed steady and eventually converted her 10th match point to complete the upset.

Sabalenka’s inconsistency proved decisive, with the Belarusian committing 44 unforced errors against Li’s 28 across the two-hour, 27-minute contest.