World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming China Open after sustaining an injury, dealing a significant blow to both her season plans and the tournament’s star lineup. The Belarusian, who has been in strong form throughout the year, confirmed the setback on Monday.
Sabalenka’s absence will be felt in Beijing, where she was expected to be one of the headline attractions. Having recently competed in a string of high-profile matches, the 26-year-old had been eyeing the China Open as an opportunity to strengthen her standing in the WTA rankings and build momentum ahead of the season-ending championships.
The specific nature of her injury has not been fully disclosed, but her team confirmed that medical advice urged rest and recovery rather than risking further complications. “It’s frustrating to miss out on such an important event, but my priority right now is to heal properly and return stronger,” Sabalenka said in a statement.
Her withdrawal reshapes the dynamics of the women’s draw, opening the door for other contenders to seize the spotlight. With Sabalenka sidelined, attention will likely turn to top rivals such as Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina, who now stand as stronger favorites for the Beijing title.
The China Open has traditionally been a stage for thrilling battles among the world’s best players, and organizers will be disappointed to lose a marquee name. Nevertheless, Sabalenka’s camp remains optimistic that she will recover in time to compete later this season, particularly with the year-ending WTA Finals fast approaching.
For now, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, not only to see how the tournament unfolds without her but also to track her recovery ahead of the final stretch of the tennis calendar.
Injury forces Sabalenka to withdraw from China Open
