Aryna Sabalenka: A tennis powerhouse and her historic 2024 Wuhan Open victory

BY KRISHNA MISTRY

In the world of tennis, many players have made a significant impact, one of them being Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarus tennis player is known for her explosive game and aggressive style of play

Sabalenka has become a dominant force on the WTA, always ready for a challenge. Her recent triumph at the 2024 Wuhan Open has further solidified her status as an elite player, adding yet another milestone to her career.

She began playing tennis at a young age, quickly showing promise, and turning professional at the age of twenty-seven in 2015. It wasn’t until 2017 that she truly began to gain recognition when she helped Belarus reach the Fed Cup final. In that year, she also reached the top hundred in the WTA rankings.

Her breakout season came in 2018 when Sabalenka captured her very first WTA title in New Haven, followed by a premier-level victory at the Wuhan Open. By the end of 2018, Sabalenka ranked number eleven, establishing herself as one of tennis’s rising stars.

Over the years, Sabalenka has continued to build on her success, winning several WTA titles and Grand Slam titles. While Sabalenka was successful in regular tour events, she struggled to proceed further in Grand Slam tournaments early in her career.

The 2023 Australian Open marked a significant milestone in Sabalenka’s career when she captured her very first Grand Slam singles title. Her victory highlighted the years of hard work and perseverance, as she defeated some of the best players in the world.

That same year, Sabalenka moved up to the number one spot in the WTA ranking for the first time, briefly dethroning her rival, Iga Świątek. By the end of the season, Sabalenka had firmly established herself as one of the most consistent and dangerous players on tour.

Sabalenka’s dominance continued in 2024, with her most recent achievement coming at the Wuhan Open, a tournament that has become synonymous with her success. In October 2024, Sabalenka secured her third consecutive Wuhan Open title with a hard-fought victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen. The win not only added to her growing collection of trophies but also extended her unbeaten record at the tournament to an astonishing 17-0.

The final, which saw Sabalenka defeat Zheng 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, was a testament to her resilience. After losing focus and allowing Zheng to push the match to a deciding set, Sabalenka regrouped and powered her way to victory. “I felt like I just lost a little bit of focus and I let her come back in the match,” Sabalenka reflected after the win. “It became a three-set match. Balls are getting heavier, it’s the third set, a bit emotional.”

Her victory at the 2024 Wuhan Open marked her second WTA 1000 title of the year and her seventh overall. More significantly, it highlighted her dominance in China, where she has won five of her seventeen career titles. Sabalenka now holds the record for the most titles won in China during the Open Era, further cementing her legacy.

As of late 2024, Sabalenka has already claimed four titles this season, including the Australian Open and the US Open. Her Wuhan Open victory only strengthens her case as one of the premier players of this generation. With her sights set on reclaiming the No. 1 ranking from Iga Świątek, whom she trails by only 69 points, Sabalenka is poised to continue her ascent.

Looking ahead, Aryna Sabalenka’s blend of power, athleticism, and relentless determination makes her a formidable opponent on any surface. As she continues to refine her game and improve her mental toughness, Sabalenka is well-positioned to add more Grand Slam titles to her name and further establish herself as one of the all-time greats in women’s tennis.