Sabalenka Feels ‘Fresh’ Ahead of China Open After Losing No.1 Ranking

BEIJING: Aryna Sabalenka expressed a sense of renewal as she gears up for her first tournament since losing her world No. 1 ranking, preparing to compete at the China Open.

The four-time Grand Slam champion held the top spot for 99 weeks before being dethroned by Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, who also triumphed over her in the recent US Open final. This shift marks a significant moment for Sabalenka, who has not secured a title since March and will conclude the year without a major championship for the first time since 2022.

“This time I feel like, because I didn’t play that many matches, I feel fresh,” the 28-year-old Belarusian stated during a press conference. Despite a challenging few months, she noted that her performance in New York was pivotal, saying, “At the US Open I started to enjoy tennis again because of being healthy mentally and physically.”

Sabalenka, who withdrew from the China Open last year due to injury, is set to begin her quest for a title in the round of 64 against either Hungary’s Anna Bondar or Mexico’s Renata Zarazua. Her return to form could signal a resurgence in her career as she aims to reclaim her position among the sport’s elite.