Back on the Practice Court
Aryna Sabalenka has returned to the practice court in Beijing as she prepares for her China Open campaign, with the Belarusian star looking to make an impact during the latest stage of the Asian swing.
Images from the National Tennis Center showed Sabalenka putting in work ahead of her tournament appearance, with her preparation attracting attention as the WTA 1000 event gets underway.
A Focused Return
Sabalenka enters Beijing as the No. 2 seed, with Elena Rybakina occupying the top seed position after taking over the world No. 1 ranking. The China Open field also includes Coco Gauff, Iga Świątek and Naomi Osaka, creating a strong lineup for the tournament.
For Sabalenka, the tournament represents her return to competition following her run to the US Open final, where she lost to Rybakina. That result also brought an end to her 99-week spell at the top of the WTA rankings.
Sabalenka Feeling Fresh
Despite the disappointment in New York, Sabalenka has described herself as feeling fresh ahead of her return to action. She explained that playing fewer matches during the summer had left her with more energy entering the final part of the season.
The four-time Grand Slam champion also said she was excited to return to competition and felt physically healthier and stronger toward the end of her US Open campaign.
Preparing for Another Challenge
Sabalenka’s practice session in Beijing is therefore an important part of her preparation. The hard-court tournament provides another opportunity to test her game against some of the strongest players on the WTA Tour.
Her aggressive baseline tennis and powerful serve remain central to her approach, making rhythm and timing particularly important during practice. The sessions before competition allow her to settle into tournament conditions and prepare for the demands of match play.
A Strong Record in China
Sabalenka has enjoyed success in China throughout her career, although the China Open title has remained elusive. She has reached the Beijing quarterfinals three times and missed last year’s tournament. This year, she returns as the second seed and receives a first-round bye.
Her opening opponent will be either Anna Bondar or Renata Zarazua, according to the official tournament information.
Eyes on Beijing
Sabalenka has made it clear that she is looking forward to the final stretch of the season. With the Grand Slam calendar complete, the China Open provides an opportunity to build momentum during the closing months of 2026.
Her return to Beijing has already generated plenty of interest, particularly after the changes at the top of the rankings. With Sabalenka seeded second, the tournament presents another significant stage in her season.
Ready to Compete
For now, Sabalenka’s attention is on preparation, competition and getting back into the rhythm of tournament tennis. Her message ahead of the event has been one of enthusiasm, while her practice sessions show a player preparing carefully for another demanding challenge.
The China Open is officially underway, and Sabalenka is ready to begin her campaign in Beijing.