The tennis calendar is brutal, relentless, and often unforgiving. Players are pushed through back-to-back Grand Slams: the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, all crammed into less than three months. For Aryna Sabalenka, the undisputed performer of the year, that pressure is even higher as she fights to stay at the top of the rankings. But that same hunger for dominance can carry a heavy price. Just like now, the Belarusian star’s campaign hits a painful pause as injury forces her out of the opening leg of the Asian swing, halting her momentum just when she seemed unstoppable.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has officially withdrawn from the 2025 China Open, set to run from September 24 to October 5, tournament organizers confirmed Tuesday morning. 

In a heartfelt statement, the Belarusian star said, “Hi all – I am sad to announce my withdrawal from the China Open this year after sustaining a small injury after the US Open. I am going to focus on being 100% healthy for the rest of the year and I can’t wait to see my Chinese fans soon! I look forward to returning to Beijing next year and wish the tournament good luck.” Sabalenka’s focus now shifts to recovery and preparing to finish the season strong.

Even this isn’t the first time Aryna Sabalenka has taken time off from the court. Before her US Open triumph over Amanda Anisimova, the Belarusian star withdrew from the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal, citing fatigue as the reason. After a stellar season leading up to the US Open, including runner-up finishes at the Australian and French Open, semi-final runs at Wimbledon and Berlin, and titles in Madrid and Miami, Sabalenka chose to prioritize her long-term performance. “I’m looking forward to kicking off the North American hard-court swing, but to give myself the best chance for success this season, I’ve decided it’s in my best interest to skip Montreal,” she explained.

Sabalenka expressed her regret for missing her fans in Canada. “I’ll miss my amazing Canadian fans, but I’m already looking forward to seeing you all next year,” she said. “Thanks for your understanding and support — it means the world to me.” Her candidness highlighted the challenges of balancing a grueling schedule with the demands of maintaining peak form.

Tournament director Valerie Tetreault acknowledged the disappointment, saying, “We’re obviously disappointed that Aryna won’t be with us this year.” The withdrawal underscored the physical toll that even the top players endure, navigating back-to-back tournaments and high-stakes matches.

Now, as Sabalenka delays her Asian swing due to injury, she hasn’t shied away from speaking on bigger issues in tennis. The top seed recently weighed in on the sport’s ongoing debate over equal pay, showing that even while sidelined, she remains a powerful and engaged voice in the game.

Aryna Sabalenka speaks about equal pay in sports

Aryna Sabalenka made history by successfully defending her US Open title, becoming the first player to do so since Serena Williams in 2014, and securing her spot as World No. 1. Following her triumph, she appeared on the Jay Shetty Podcast, where the conversation turned to the pressures of gender disparities in sports.

When asked about the differences between men’s and women’s sports, Sabalenka reflected with poise and focus. “I’m trying not to focus on that because I just try to represent women’s sport best way possible. And of course, we are all fighting for equal prize money and everything, but also at the end of the day, it’s all about who brings the who brings the show, who brings people into the sport. But I think like now the prize money is equal. Everything is uh getting closer and closer between men and women. So I of course I love it and that’s what women um athletes are fighting for.”

She went on to acknowledge the pivotal role of Billie Jean King in advancing equality within the sport. “Thank you Billie Jean King for fighting for us. I agree that we deserve to be paid the same. Of course like the level is different just because of the physical abilities but the work that we putting is it’s equal to the work that they putting. Of course the level can be different but it just, it’s life. That men are meant to be stronger than women.”

Sabalenka’s words highlighted her understanding of both the challenges and triumphs within women’s sport. She emphasized that while physical differences exist, the dedication, effort, and impact of female athletes are on equal footing with their male counterparts. Her reflections also underscored the growing parity in prize money and recognition across professional tennis.

Now sidelined from the China Open due to injury, Sabalenka’s focus turns to recovery and her eventual comeback. Fans eagerly anticipate her return, knowing the top seed continues to be a trailblazer, setting an example both on and off the court, inspiring the next generation of athletes to fight for equality and excellence in sport.