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Aryna Sabalenka makes shock withdrawal as world No 1 battle set to heat up

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Aryna Sabalenka’s hopes of a dominant Asian swing have been dented after the four-time Grand Slam champion was confirmed to be withdrawing from the upcoming China Open.

World No 1 Sabalenka, who won her second US Open title less than two weeks ago, will miss the WTA 1000 event in Beijing due to what the tournament has described as a “minor injury”, with the Belarusian releasing a statement via the tournament.

She said: “Due to an injury sustained at the US Open and the ongoing recovery process, I regretfully announce that I will withdraw from this year’s China Open. I will focus on my recovery and strive to return to 100% condition as soon as possible.

“I can’t wait to see my fans in China! I look forward to returning to Beijing next year and wish you all the best for the tournament.”

Sabalenka’s withdrawal means she will likely not be in action until the Wuhan Open, the final WTA 1000 event of 2025, where she will be looking to win the title for a fourth straight edition of the event.

After a busy year which has seen her go deep at the vast majority of events she has contested, it may be wise for the 27-year-old to pull out of Beijing if there are any potential niggles that could be worsened by her participation.

However, her decision has also opened the door in the WTA Rankings for leading rival Iga Swiatek, whose hopes of a return to world No 1 by the end of the year have been boosted by Sabalenka’s decision.

How could it affect world No 1 race?

Sabalenka currently has a 3,292-point lead over Swiatek in the WTA Rankings (11,225 points to 7,933), though she is only 2,077 points ahead in the WTA Race to Riyadh, which monitors points won in 2025.

While that is still a comfortable cushion for the Belarusian for now, Swiatek has the chance to significantly close the gap before the world No 1 returns to court.

While that is still a comfortable cushion for the Belarusian for now, Swiatek has the chance to significantly close the gap before the world No 1 returns to court.

Swiatek is in action at the WTA 500 event in Seoul this week and is still currently set to compete in Beijing next week.

Should the Pole triumph at both events, she would earn a combined 1,500 points — moving her within just 600 points of Sabalenka in the points standings for the season.

And, even if Swiatek does not triumph at one or both events, she can still close the gap on Sabalenka in the world rankings.

The Pole only has 400 points from the WTA Finals to defend for the rest of the season, having been provisionally suspended from the Korea Open, China Open, and Wuhan Open last year.

In contrast, Sabalenka has 400 points at the WTA Finals to defend herself, but has 1,000 points in Wuhan, and 215 quarter-finalist points in Beijing.

Should Swiatek triumph in Beijing this year — she won the event in 2023, so it is a distinct possibility — that would mean a 1,215-point swing between the two at one event.

She also has no points to defend in Wuhan, so, assuming she plays, she can close the gap on Sabalenka regardless of how the Belarusian fares in her title defence.

Both women are now also likely to be affected by rules concerning mandatory WTA events and points, though it will be the world No 1 who is affected more by this as things stand.

Sabalenka’s China Open withdrawal does not guarantee that she will lose the world No 1 ranking, and she still has a cushion for now.

However, it does open the door for Swiatek, whose chances of a third year-end No 1 finish have now increased.

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Djokovic learns fate in new home as Sabalenka addresses behaviour

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Express Sport brings you the latest tennis news from the Paris Masters.

We’re reaching the business end of the Paris Masters, as eight players become four in the French capital. Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy after Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out by Cameron Norrie in the Spaniard’s opening match. Norrie was then beaten by Valentin Vacherot, whose amazing 10-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level came to an end when he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Canadian star Auger-Aliassime will face Alexander Bublik in the semis. Bublik defeated Alex de Minaur, who is among those to have already qualified for the year-end ATP Finals. Sinner is through to his first Paris Masters semi-final after beating Ben Shelton. He’ll face defending champion Alexander Zverev, who survived a tough match against Daniil Medvedev.

Novak Djokovic is not involved in the Paris Masters, having decided to skip the event for the second year in a row, but he has learned his fate in the draw of next week’s ATP 250 in Athens. And over in Riyadh, the WTA Finals are about to get underway.

 

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Strength in Style: Taylor Townsend’s Latest Photos Capture the Power of Confidence

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Tennis star Taylor Townsend is proving once again that strength and beauty are not opposites — they’re a perfect match. In her latest series of photos, the American powerhouse effortlessly blends athletic grace with unapologetic confidence, reminding the world that true power shines brightest when it comes from within.

The photos, which quickly captured fans’ attention online, showcase Taylor in a radiant light — bold, self-assured, and glowing with the poise of a woman who knows exactly who she is. Whether dressed in sleek athletic wear or elegant casual fits, her energy commands attention — not just because of her style, but because of her authenticity and self-belief.

Townsend, who has long been admired for her resilience on and off the court, has redefined what it means to be an athlete in today’s world. As a professional tennis player, mother, and advocate for self-acceptance, she continues to inspire millions who see themselves reflected in her journey — a story of perseverance, pride, and power.

In a recent interview, Taylor reflected on her evolution, saying:

“Confidence doesn’t come from fitting in. It comes from standing tall in your truth — from knowing your worth even when others don’t see it yet.”

That message resonates deeply with fans, who flooded social media with words of admiration. One comment summed it up perfectly: “Taylor Townsend is what strength looks like — beautiful, real, and unstoppable.”

Her latest photos aren’t just a showcase of style — they’re a celebration of self-love and strength, a reminder that confidence is the most powerful accessory anyone can wear. 🌟

Taylor Townsend isn’t just winning matches — she’s winning hearts, redefining what greatness looks like, one stunning moment at a time. 💖🎾

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Out But Not Down — Holger Rune’s Determined Message After Achilles Surgery Inspires Fans Worldwide

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Tennis fans across the globe are rallying behind Holger Rune, after the Danish star shared an emotional but determined message following his devastating Achilles injury that abruptly ended his 2025 season.

The 22-year-old, known for his fierce competitiveness and electric energy on court, was forced to retire during the Stockholm Open semifinals after collapsing in pain mid-match against Ugo Humbert. Moments later, Rune confirmed what fans feared — a torn Achilles tendon, one of the toughest injuries any athlete can face.

But instead of silence or despair, Rune chose to face the challenge head-on. In a heartfelt message posted to social media, he wrote:

“It’s gonna be a while before I can step on court again… It’s tough. I had so much joy out there, and it’s unbearable to think I won’t feel that energy for some time. But I’ll be back — stronger, wiser, and more grateful than ever.”

His words, filled with pain yet overflowing with resilience, immediately resonated with millions. Fellow players, coaches, and fans flooded his post with encouragement, calling him a “fighter”, a “true champion in spirit”, and the embodiment of perseverance.

Rune has already undergone successful surgery and, in a move that stunned many, shared photos of himself training from a seated position — refusing to let recovery stop his momentum. The images showed a young man focused not on what he’s lost, but on what he can rebuild.

Even as he faces months of rehabilitation, Rune’s story has become a symbol of mental toughness and grace under pressure. His family and team remain by his side, reminding the tennis world that this setback doesn’t define his career — it refines it.

As one fan beautifully wrote:

“He may be off the court, but his spirit is still winning matches.”

For Holger Rune, this isn’t the end of a season — it’s the start of a comeback story that could inspire a generation. 💥🔥

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