'I regretfully announce...': Why Aryna Sabalenka withdrew from China Open 2025?

Sabalenka bagged her fourth Grand Slam title at US Open.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the upcoming China Open 2025, just weeks after defending her title at the US Open.

The Belarusian star, who lifted her fourth Grand Slam trophy in New York by defeating Amanda Anisimova in the final, revealed that she picked up a minor ankle injury during her campaign at Flushing Meadows.

“I am sad to announce my withdrawal from the China Open this year after sustaining a small injury after the U.S. Open,” she told her organizers.

“I am going to focus on being 100% healthy for the rest of the year,” Sabalenka added in her official statement.

Also, the China Open organizers confirmed the news via social media, stating, “Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the 2025 China Open due to a minor injury. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming her back in Beijing.”

The Chinese WTA 1000 event has been one of the few major titles missing from Sabalenka’s trophy compartment. She has reached the quarter-finals in Beijing three times, in 2018, 2023, and 2024, but has never managed to go further.

Many fans had hoped this would be her breakthrough year at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing after having a spectacular season, but unfortunately due to injury the Belarusian had to wait for another to break the jinx.

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However, Sabalenka remains in a strong position in the race for the year-end No. 1 ranking. She currently holds a 2,077-point lead in WTA ranking over second-ranked Iga Swiatek.

Both Aryna and Iga will meet at the WTA finals in Riyadh this November, meaning the battler for the top spot will continue till the season finale.

So far, no other withdrawal has been announced from the WTA China Open 2025. The event boasting a massive prize pool of $8,963,700 will feature the top stars including Swiatek, defending champion Coco Gauff, and the rest of the world’s top 10.

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