Aryna Sabalenka has delayed her return to the Tour after withdrawing from next week’s China Open in Beijing due to injury.
The world No.1 has opted to skip the WTA 1000 event after failing to recover in time from a ‘small injury’ that she suffered whilst playing at the US Open, where she won her fourth Grand Slam title. It is unclear what type of injury Sabalenkla is suffering from, and no details have been given about her expected recovery time.
“I am sad to announce my withdrawal from the China Open this year after sustaining a small injury after the U.S. Open,” Sabalenka said in a statement provided by the tournament.
“I am going to focus on being 100% healthy for the rest of the year …”
Sabalenka reached the quarter-finals of the China Open last year. She has also reached the last eight of the tournament on two other occasions – 2018 and 2023. The event didn’t take place between 2020 and 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entering the final quarter of this season, Sabalenka has achieved a win-loss of 56-10 since the start of January and has won four titles. During this period, she has made more than $12M in prize money.
As it currently stands, Iga Swiatek will be the highest-ranked player taking part in this year’s China Open, followed by defending champion Coco Gauff. Swiatek didn’t play any events in China last year due to a failed drug test that was caused by a contaminated sleep medication she was taking at the time. She was cleared of intentionally doping and handed a 28-day suspension.
The champion of the China Open will receive 1000 ranking points and earn $1,100,000 in prize money.
