Sabalenka and a curious way of facing her current crisis
The Belarusian appeared before the media ahead of the start of the WTA Wuhan 2026 and explained how she is approaching the tournament and what she has learned from the difficult months she has faced.
Aryna Sabalenka is ready to steer her erratic course this week at the WTA 1000 Wuhan 2026, a tournament she has won three times and which could be a lifeline for her this season. Involved in the fight to become number 1 at the end of the year, the Belarusian reflected on several matters in the press conference prior to the event held in China.
The reaction can no longer be postponed. Aryna Sabalenka has ended a title-less year in Grand Slams, but she can still amend it by finishing with a good taste, which requires her to become champion at the WTA Finals 2026 and be the world number 1 by the end of the year. This purpose for redemption starts at the WTA 1000 Wuhan 2026, a tournament that the Belarusian approaches with great motivation.
This is what Aryna Sabalenka said before competing in the WTA Wuhan 2026
Why Sabalenka loves the Wuhan tournament
"I’m happy to be back. I have many beautiful memories and have achieved great success here. I feel like I’m at home and can’t wait to play tennis again. Since I won the tournament for the first time, I've had a lot of success in China in general. There is something special about this country. I don’t know, maybe it’s the fried rice that makes me run faster (laughs). I’ll have to discover the secret, but I love playing here."
Rivalry with Rybakina and gameplay crisis in recent months
"I love it. It’s a healthy rivalry, and I feel that not just the two of us, but all the players, push each other to improve. Sometimes you drop in the rankings, lose points or a final, but that’s how you learn. For me, this season has been about learning from tough losses and using them as a drive to improve, looking for new ways to progress and trying to get back to the top. I’m really enjoying this rivalry."
Qualification secured for the WTA Finals
"It’s crazy to have qualified for six consecutive years. I remember that before I qualified for the first time, I did everything I could to secure a spot in Singapore, but I didn’t succeed. At that time, it was really hard for me to imagine that one day I would be asked how it felt to qualify six times in a row. It’s a dream and means a lot to me. I’m very excited and ready to give my all in this final stretch of the season."
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