Sabalenka Extends 20‑Match Wuhan Streak, Paolini Upsets Swiatek
On Friday, Oct 10, 2025, at the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan OpenOptics Valley International Tennis Centre, Wuhan, China, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Belarusian extended her unbeaten run at the venue to 20 matches by beating eighth‑seed Elena Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan, 6‑3, 6‑3. The win not only marked Sabalenka’s 11th semifinal appearance of the season but also edged her closer to sealing the year‑end No. 1 ranking for a second straight year.
Sabalenka’s Dominance Continues
The 1‑hour‑25‑minute showdown saw Sabalenka break Rybakina three times – twice in the first set and once early in the second – with a forehand winner that left the Kazakhstani flat‑footed. After the match, the Belarusian praised her own serve, saying, “I think today I put so much pressure on her [Pegula] – I was serving quite well.” She added that reaching yet another semifinal felt “crazy” and that every opponent pushes her to the next level.
Sabalenka, who first lifted the Wuhan trophy in 2018, also triumphed here in 2019 and 2024. Her consistency at the Chinese event has become a hallmark of her career, especially after the tournament’s two‑year COVID‑19 hiatus.
Paolini’s Shock Victory Over Swiatek
While the top seed was celebrating, 29‑year‑old Italian Jasmine Paolini, unseeded in the draw, delivered a stunning 6‑1, 6‑2 masterclass against World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, Poland’s reigning champion. The match wrapped up in just 65 minutes, a first‑time triumph after six straight losses to Swiatek – she had previously managed only a single set across those meetings.
Paolini’s aggressive baseline play and a surprisingly deep second‑serve put Swiatek on the back foot from the opening game. “I felt free, I could hit my forehand without thinking,” Paolini said in the post‑match interview. The win catapults her into serious contention for the final singles berth at the PIF WTA Finals in Riyadh, edging out Rybakina and Russia’s Mirra Andreeva.
Pegula Secures Finals Spot and Gauff Advances
American sixth‑seed Jessica Pegula earned her place in the semifinals by outlasting Czech Katerina Siniakova 2‑6, 6‑0, 6‑3, marking her seventh straight three‑set win of the tournament. The victory officially booked her a ticket to the PIF WTA Finals, scheduled for Nov 2‑9 in Riyadh.
Meanwhile, third‑seed American Coco Gauff cruised past Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6‑3, 6‑0, securing her second consecutive Wuhan semifinal after a loss to Amanda Anisimova in the China Open final the week before.
Semifinal Showdowns & Year‑End Implications
Saturday’s (Oct 11) semifinals pit Sabalenka against Pegula and Gauff against Paolini, setting the stage for a possible Sabalenka‑Gauff final. If Sabalenka repeats her form, she could lock in the year‑end No. 1 spot, a feat she achieved in 2024.
Paolini’s recent triumph over Swiatek also reshapes the narrative around the European‑American rivalry on clay and hard courts. Gauff and Paolini have met five times this season, with Paolini winning the last three – a reversal from their early‑season meetings.
Historical Perspective on the Wuhan Open
The Wuhan Open emerged in 2014 as a marquee WTA 1000 event, quickly becoming a proving ground for the sport’s rising stars. After a two‑year pause (2020‑21) due to the pandemic, the tournament returned in 2022 with upgraded prize money and a larger draw.
Sabalenka’s three titles (2018, 2019, 2024) place her alongside legends like Caroline Wozniacki and Petra Kvitová in terms of Wuhan success. The venue’s humid October climate often favors aggressive baseliners, a factor that played out in both Sabalenka’s and Paolini’s dominant performances.
Key Facts
- Sabalenka’s 20‑match winning streak at Wuhan spans four titles (2018, 2019, 2024, 2025).
- Paolini’s 6‑1, 6‑2 win over Swiatek is the most lopsided quarterfinal result in the tournament’s history.
- Pegula secures a spot at the PIF WTA Finals in Riyadh, November 2‑9, 2025.
- Semifinals set for Oct 11, 5 p.m. local (5 a.m. ET).
- Year‑end No. 1 race narrows to Sabalenka vs. Swiatek, with Sabalenka holding a slight points edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Paolini’s win affect her chances for the PIF WTA Finals?
The victory over Swiatek gives Paolini vital ranking points and a boost in confidence, moving her ahead of both Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva for the final singles spot in Riyadh. She now sits just three points inside the qualification line.
What does Sabalenka need to clinch the year‑end No. 1 ranking?
A win in the Wuhan final would lock her at 7,850 points, enough to stay ahead of Swiatek even if the Pole wins the next WTA 1000 event in Dubai. A loss would drop her to a tight race that could be decided by the season‑ending championships.
Why is Wuhan considered a tough venue for players?
The Optics Valley International Tennis Centre sits in a humid subtropical zone; October evenings often bring lingering moisture that slows ball speed. Players who rely on heavy topspin or precise timing, like Swiatek, can find their shots slipping, while big servers like Sabalenka thrive.
Who are the potential opponents for Sabalenka in the final?
If she defeats Pegula, Sabalenka could meet either Gauff or Paolini, depending on who wins the other semifinal. All three are in top‑10 form, making a possible Sabalenka‑Gauff showdown a marquee final.
What historic records could be broken at this tournament?
Sabalenka is on pace to become the first player to win four Wuhan titles in a row, surpassing the three‑title streak held jointly by her and Caroline Wozniacki. Paolini’s margin of victory also threatens the record for the quickest quarterfinal win at the event.
Lois Parker
Sabalenka just rolls over everyone, like she’s got a cheat code.