World number one Aryna Sabalenka has officially pulled out of the upcoming China Open 2025, citing an injury sustained during her recent title-winning run at the US Open earlier this month.
The 27-year-old Belarusian, who defeated Amanda Anisimova to secure her second consecutive US Open title, has not fully recovered and will miss the WTA 1000 event in Beijing, scheduled to begin on September 24.
“Aryna has not fully recovered from the injury she sustained during the US Open and will miss the 2025 China Open,” tournament organisers confirmed in a statement released Wednesday.
Sabalenka reached the quarter-finals of the China Open last year and was among the top contenders for this year’s title. In a message shared on Chinese social media platform Weibo, she expressed her disappointment over the withdrawal.
“I am very sad to announce that I won’t be playing in Beijing this year after sustaining a small injury at the US Open,” Sabalenka wrote.
“I’m going to focus on recovery and strive to quickly return to the court at 100 percent.”
Despite her absence from Beijing, the world No.1 is expected to return for her title defense at the Wuhan Open, the last WTA 1000 event of the season, scheduled for October.
“I can’t wait to see my Chinese fans soon. I look forward to returning to Beijing next year,” Sabalenka added.
