Tennis

Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed, dashed the hopes of Chinese star Zheng Qinwen in the final of the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, claiming her third title with a hard-fought 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory.Zheng, a Wuhan native and reigning Olympic gold medalist, had been on a remarkable run, becoming the first Chinese player to reach a WTA 1000 final. However, Sabalenka, a two-time Wuhan champion, proved too strong, despite the partisan crowd support for Zheng.Sabalenka, known for her aggressive style, started the match with a dominant display, taking the first set 6-3. Zheng fought back in the second set, applying pressure on Sabalenka's serve and capitalizing on her errors. The crowd erupted in cheers as Zheng leveled the match at 1-1.The third set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks of serve. Zheng, despite facing a double-break deficit, showed her resilience by clawing back one break and holding a point to level the score at 3-3. However, Sabalenka remained unyielding, denying Zheng the comeback and securing the victory in two hours and 41 minutes.Sabalenka's triumph extended her winning streak in Wuhan to 17-0, making her the first player to win three consecutive titles at the tournament. It was also her fifth trophy on Chinese soil, the most by any player in the Open era.For Zheng, the defeat was a learning experience as she continues to climb the ranks of women's tennis. She acknowledged Sabalenka's strengths and expressed her eagerness to improve her tactics and mental fortitude.

Aryna Sabalenka's Wuhan Triumph Celebrated with Special TributeAryna Sabalenka's dominance continued at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, where she secured her third title and extended her winning streak to 17 matches. The Belarusian star's victory was met with an extra-special celebration, as the tournament DJ played "Tiger," a tribute track by djKDS dedicated to the former world No. 1.Sabalenka's connection to the song runs deep, as it was first introduced to her by her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis. "I heard this song first when I was injured and I was in Miami," she recalled. "I love the song. I've made some reels with it!"Despite facing a crowd favorite in Zheng Qinwen, Sabalenka received warm support throughout the week. The reigning Australian and US Open champion expressed her surprise at the crowd's enthusiasm. "I was really surprised. I think after the first match or second match they turn on this song. I was like, 'Wow, they found it.' It's so cool. It was nice to hear that song."Sabalenka's Wuhan triumph marks her fourth title of 2024, solidifying her status as one of the most dominant players on the WTA Tour. With her impressive performances, she has become a fan favorite, not only for her on-court prowess but also for her infectious personality.The celebration of Sabalenka's victory with "Tiger" adds to the growing list of tennis-themed bops, including "Autograph" by the Bryan Bros Band, "Petko Dance" dedicated to Andrea Petkovic, and "Oxygen" by Caroline Wozniacki. As Sabalenka continues to rack up titles, it remains to be seen if she will join the ranks of these musical tennis stars.

Aryna Sabalenka's remarkable comeback from the brink of defeat against Coco Gauff in the Wuhan Open semifinals on Saturday has propelled her into her 10th WTA 1000 final. The Belarusian star, who has a formidable 6-3 record in her previous WTA 1000 finals, will now face either Zheng Qinwen or Wang Xinyu in the championship match.Sabalenka's victory over Gauff was a testament to her resilience and determination. After dropping the first set 6-1 and trailing 4-2 in the second, she rallied back with astonishing force, winning seven consecutive games to take the second set and establish a 3-0 lead in the third.Gauff, who had won nine consecutive matches in China, fought back to level the third set, but Sabalenka's unwavering focus and powerful serve proved too much to overcome. The match ended with both players recording identical winners and unforced errors, but Sabalenka's superior ace-to-double fault ratio (2-2 to Gauff's 4-21) ultimately made the difference.Sabalenka's success in Wuhan is a continuation of her impressive form in recent months. She has won 19 of her last 20 matches, including back-to-back titles in Cincinnati and the US Open. Her only loss during this stretch came against Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals of the Beijing Open last week.The Wuhan Open has been a particularly fruitful tournament for Sabalenka. She has won the title twice before, in 2018 and 2019, and has never lost a match in the tournament. Her 16-0 record in Wuhan is a testament to her dominance on the hard courts of the Chinese city.If Sabalenka can overcome either Zheng or Wang in the final, she will capture her seventh WTA 1000 crown and further cement her status as one of the top players in the world.

Aryna Sabalenka's relentless pursuit of perfection has propelled her to the pinnacle of women's tennis. Her devastating forehand, honed by biomechanic coach Gavin MacMillan, has become her signature weapon, surpassing the power of male tennis stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.Sabalenka's transformation began in 2022 when she hired MacMillan to address her chronic serving yips. The results were immediate, as she reached the US Open semifinals and won the Australian Open the following year.MacMillan's focus extended beyond Sabalenka's serve, meticulously refining her entire ground game. He identified that she was rushing her forehand, preventing her from generating maximum power and control. By teaching her to wait for the right moment and execute a proper rotation, MacMillan unlocked a new level of offense.Sabalenka's improved forehand has made her a consistent threat to the No. 1 ranking. She credits MacMillan's biomechanical approach for giving her the confidence to execute shots under pressure."Knowing the tennis part from a biomechanic side, it definitely gives you so much confidence because you know how things work," Sabalenka said. "You tried it on match, you know it's works."MacMillan believes that technical proficiency is paramount in tennis, challenging the over-reliance on sports psychology. He argues that players must possess the skills to execute shots before they can develop mental toughness."Tennis is a mental sport, but your mind knows whether you can execute something right or when you can't," MacMillan said. "If you don't have the skills to execute shots, it doesn't matter what your strategy is."Sabalenka's success is a testament to the power of technical refinement. By embracing MacMillan's biomechanical approach, she has transformed herself into the most dynamic and explosive ball-striker in women's tennis.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka believes her rivalry with top-ranked Iga Swiatek is crucial for the growth of women's tennis. The Belarusian advanced to the Wuhan Open third round by defeating Katerina Siniakova 6-4, 6-4, marking her 50th victory of the season.Swiatek is absent from the Wuhan field after splitting with her coach of three years, Tomasz Wiktorowski. Sabalenka has an opportunity to close the gap on the Polish world number one with a strong run in Wuhan, as the battle for the top spot is expected to come down to the wire at the season-ending championships in Riyadh next month."Having this rivalry with Iga is something big for tennis and something much-needed, I would say, in women's tennis," said Sabalenka, who will face Yulia Putintseva in the last 16. "To keep this competition going would be really good for tennis," she added.Sabalenka, 26, spent eight weeks at the summit of the rankings last season and aims to reclaim the world number one spot. "I hope she'll figure out the coach situation and she'll be back in the finals in her best shape," she said. "Hopefully we can play against each other there in... a fight for world number one."Coco Gauff followed up her China Open title in Beijing with a smooth 6-1, 6-2 win over Viktoriya Tomova. Gauff has a seven-match winning streak and faces 13th seed Marta Kostyuk in the last 16. Kostyuk received a walkover after her opponent Amanda Anisimova withdrew with a left hip injury."Both mentally and physically I'm a little tired, if I'm being honest," said Gauff. "But when I got on the court, I felt fine.""How I approached Beijing, I was like, I want to approach this how I would play tennis as a kid.""Sometimes I try to go back into that mindset and realise at the end of the day this is my dream now, and it was my dream as a kid."Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova crashed out to American qualifier and world number 102 Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 7-5 in just 94 minutes. Seventh seed Krejcikova let a 3-1 lead slip in the opening set, as well as a 5-3 advantage in the second.The 22-year-old Baptiste will next take on Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova for a place in the quarter-finals. Hometown hero Zheng Qinwen moved past Jaqueline Cristian 6-2, 6-4 to book a third-round meeting with Canadian left-hander Leylah Fernandez.The victory boosts Olympic champion Zheng's qualification chances for the WTA Finals in Riyadh as she tries to become the first Chinese player since Li Na in 2013 to reach the season-ending championships.

Tennis Fans in China Shower Players with Love and Unique GiftsAs the tennis season reaches the Asian swing, players are finding a much-needed energy boost at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open. The reason? The famously passionate sports fans in China.From the China Open in Beijing to the Wuhan Open, players have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of Chinese tennis lovers. They have been showered with unique gifts, including personalized plush toys, elaborate banners, and dedicated fan art. Even Western players have been delighted by the outpouring of support."Honestly, it's the place I've come [where] I've gotten the most gifts," said 2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff. "You'll get bracelets from some fans in the U.S., but here, you can tell they really take time to give you the gifts and see what you like."For two-time Wuhan champion Aryna Sabalenka, who has been dubbed an "old friend" of Wuhan by Chinese media, the gifts often have a tiger theme. Sabalenka has a tiger tattoo on her forearm, a nod to her fighting spirit and the fact that she was born in the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese Zodiac."My favorite [gift] so far is the tiger hat. It's so funny and so cool. I kept it. It's in my bag," said Sabalenka. "I also have a big fan who brought me a huge bucket with a lot of little gifts, including gifts for my team."But what do players do with all these gifts? Traveling week in and week out with loads of luggage, gear, and trophies, it's a logistical challenge to accommodate extra pounds of keepsakes.While it's not always possible to hang onto every gift, many players are eager to keep as many as they can. Keychains with stuffed animals become permanent accessories on racquet bags, and the bulkiest items may get shipped home."Last week in Beijing, I received a huge panda. It weighs around two kilos!" said Mirra Andreeva. "I'm going to take it home, of course. I received a lot of gifts. I don't mind! I like that."In addition to gifts, players are also met with an abundance of autograph seekers. National hero Zheng Qinwen, a native of Wuhan, is by far the most popular target. Her countrywomen like Yuan Yue and Wang Xinyu are also riding the wave of the post-Olympics boom in tennis interest in China.The autograph requests range from action shots and fan art to more unusual items."I signed one of my wedding pictures, which was a little strange," recalled No. 2 seed Jessica Pegula. "There was also a woman who had pictures of her helping us pick up balls printed out, and I signed those."These interactions provide a much-needed boost for players who are nearing the end of the season. With season-ending events like WTA Finals Riyadh and the Billie Jean King Cup approaching, the enthusiasm of Chinese fans is a welcome change of pace from the more demure crowds at tournaments like Wimbledon or Indian Wells."After my final in Beijing, there was a lady who was saying, 'I love you, I love you,' over and over," said Gauff. "The security guards were laughing. I was laughing too because of how enthusiastic she was! The fans have been very passionate."

Second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominance at the Wuhan Open, securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Katerina Siniakova in the second round. The reigning US Open champion extended her undefeated streak in Wuhan to 13-0, having won the title in 2018 and 2019.Sabalenka's victory sets up a third-round clash with Yulia Putintseva, who defeated Donna Vekic. The Belarusian star needs only to reach the quarterfinals to reclaim the top spot in the rankings from Iga Swiatek.Meanwhile, six Americans competed in second-round matches on Wednesday. Coco Gauff cruised past Viktoriya Tomova, while Hailey Baptiste upset 10th-ranked Barbora Krejcikova. Magdalena Frech defeated eighth-ranked Emma Navarro, and Daria Kasatkina overcame Bernarda Pera. However, Amanda Anisimova withdrew from her match against Marta Kostyuk.In the men's draw, Jannik Sinner avenged his loss to Ben Shelton in last year's Shanghai Masters, defeating the American 6-4, 7-6 (1). Sinner will face Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals, who beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets.Second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz extended his winning streak to 12 with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Gael Monfils. The French Open and Wimbledon champion will play Tomas Machac or Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals.Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz are among the other top players in action on Wednesday.

Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time champion of the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, has returned to the tournament with a warm welcome from the Chinese people, who affectionately refer to her as an "old friend." Sabalenka, who won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019, is eager to add a third trophy to her collection as the tournament returns to the calendar as a WTA 1000 after a five-year hiatus.Since her previous victories in Wuhan, Sabalenka has become a three-time Grand Slam winner in singles and the world No. 2. She is also the main rival for Chinese tennis hero Zheng Qinwen, whom she has defeated twice in US Open semifinals and once in the Australian Open final.Sabalenka's return to Wuhan has been met with great enthusiasm from fans, who have showered her with gifts and autographs. She has been particularly popular for her forearm tattoo, which is a nod to her being born during the Year of the Tiger (1998).In addition to her personal achievements, Sabalenka is also looking to cut down the gap in ranking points between herself and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who pulled out of the tournament. Victory in Wuhan would put Sabalenka less than 100 points from the WTA's top ranking.However, Sabalenka remains focused on her own performance rather than the ranking. "I prefer to focus on myself, and when I'm on court I'm just trying to bring my best tennis and fight for every point," she said. "If I'm able to play my best tennis, then I will become world No. 1."Sabalenka will face Katerina Siniakova in the second round of the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open.

The Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open, the second leg of the Asian Swing's back-to-back WTA 1000 events, promises an explosive start on Monday. The draw features a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, setting the stage for thrilling encounters.Two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed, is the heavy favorite. She will face either Katerina Siniakova or Alexandra Eala in the second round. American sensation Coco Gauff, the No. 4 seed, will make her Wuhan debut against Ashlyn Krueger or Viktoriya Tomova.Sabalenka and Gauff are on a potential semifinal collision course, with the American holding a 4-3 head-to-head advantage. However, Sabalenka recently defeated Gauff in the Australian Open semifinals.The top half of the draw also features Emma Navarro, Daria Kasatkina, and Marta Kostyuk. Navarro, a potential quarterfinal opponent for Sabalenka, has a history with Zheng Qinwen, the No. 5 seed. Zheng, a Wuhan native, will compete in her hometown event for the first time.Jessica Pegula, the No. 2 seed, anchors the bottom half of the draw. She will face the winner of Anastasia Potapova and Katie Volynets in the second round. Pegula's section includes Barbora Krejcikova and Paula Badosa, who defeated her in Beijing last week.The Wuhan Open marks a significant return for the tournament, which was last held in 2019. With a mix of experienced players and rising stars, the event promises to deliver captivating matches and unforgettable moments.