Aryna Sabalenka Feels Fresh for China Open After US Open

Aryna Sabalenka returns to competition at the China Open in Beijing, declaring herself physically and mentally fresh after a challenging mid-season. The Belarusian's comeback follows her run to the US Open final earlier this month, where she lost to Elena Rybakina in three sets and ceded the world No. 1 ranking she held for 99 weeks.

Sabalenka finds joy and health at the US Open

The four-time Grand Slam champion pinpointed her deep run in New York as a turning point. After a seven-tournament drought without a final, her performance at Flushing Meadows revitalized her. "The US Open was the moment when I started to feel healthier and stronger," Sabalenka said in Beijing. She admitted the clay and grass court swings were a struggle, but the US Open helped her rediscover her enjoyment of the game. This renewed mindset has her excited for the final events of the 2026 season.

A fresh start in Beijing after a stressful period

Sabalenka enters the WTA 1000 event as the second seed, behind the new top-ranked Rybakina. She will face either Hungary's Anna Bondar or Mexico's Renata Zarazua in her opening match. The 28-year-old withdrew from this tournament last year due to injury, making this a fresh start. She described the period leading into the Asian swing as "so stressful," but now feels the benefit of not playing an excessive number of matches recently. Her goal is to win her first China Open title and claim her first trophy since completing the Sunshine Double in March.

Sabalenka dismisses social media criticism

In a characteristically blunt pre-tournament press conference, Sabalenka brushed off suggestions that players' social media activity harms their performance. She argued top athletes spend a minimal amount of time online. "In reality you spend there, I don't know, 30 minutes a day," she stated. Sabalenka concluded that people will judge players regardless, so she pays no mind. "I don't give a single heck," she said, emphasizing her focus remains on training and competition.

Reflecting on a raw US Open defeat

The US Open final loss to Rybakina was a heavy emotional blow for Sabalenka, who was chasing a third consecutive title at the event. Moments after the 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 defeat, a viral video captured her telling a camera operator to "f--k off" as he followed her to her player box, where she had also smashed a racket. During the trophy ceremony, she admitted giving a speech was "the last thing I want to do right now." The loss confirmed she would end the year without a major title for the first time since 2022.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS: Aryna Sabalenka is seeded second at the China Open, her first event since losing the world No. 1 ranking. She credits the US Open with restoring her physical health and love for tennis. Sabalenka has not won a tournament since claiming the Indian Wells and Miami titles in March.