The semi-finals at the WTA 1000 Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open are set after an exciting day of quarter-final matches. Aryna Sabalenka continues her impressive run in Wuhan, securing her 20th consecutive victory at the tournament by overcoming Elena Rybakina in straight sets, while Jessica Pegula battled through another three-set encounter to defeat Katerina Siniakova.
Sabalenka, the top seed and current world number one, showcased her formidable prowess against Rybakina, the world number ten. The match culminated with a score of 6-3, 6-3, allowing Sabalenka to advance to her 11th semi-final of the season. Her performance reflected her dominant form, maintaining her perfect record in Wuhan at an impressive 20 wins.
The match commenced with both players exchanging powerful baseline shots, and although Rybakina had her opportunities, Sabalenka capitalized at critical moments. After a close battle for the first six games, where neither player faced break points, a missed opportunity for Rybakina at 3-3 became pivotal. Sabalenka seized the momentum from that moment, winning five consecutive games that propelled her to a strong position in the second set. Despite a few hiccups—three double faults in quick succession—Sabalenka maintained her composure, converting her first match point after Rybakina sent a forehand long.
Meanwhile, Pegula, ranked seventh in the world, faced a challenging start against Siniakova, who entered the match as the sixth seed. Despite dropping the first set 2-6, Pegula rallied to win the following two sets 6-0, 6-3. In a match characterized by a quick turnaround, she notably saved two break points early in the deciding set and managed to break Siniakova’s serve to seize control.
Pegula acknowledged her struggles in the initial set, citing nerves and fatigue from her grueling schedule. “I think I was just going for too much. Maybe I wasn’t relaxed enough,” she reflected. Nevertheless, her ability to reset and refocus ultimately led to her success. Particularly impressive was her second set, where she dominated by winning six consecutive games and did not face a single break point.
With this latest victory, Pegula has extended her streak to seven consecutive matches that have gone the distance, a feat not accomplished in WTA main draws since Jelena Ostapenko’s eight-match stretch earlier this year. Pegula expressed satisfaction with her endurance, even if she wished for less strenuous matchups as the tournament progresses.
As both players now set their sights on the semi-finals, Pegula will confront Sabalenka—a rematch that promises to be thrilling. The two have previously met several times, with Sabalenka holding a strong 8-2 record against Pegula. Their most recent clash was in the semi-finals of the US Open where Sabalenka emerged victorious.
Sabalenka reflected on her experience in Wuhan, expressing a sense of comfort at the venue, stating that she feels “at home every time playing here.” As the tournament approaches its climax, fans eagerly anticipate this showdown between two of the WTA’s top competitors, both of whom are determined to keep their championship aspirations alive.
