Aryna Sabalenka has pulled out of the upcoming China Open after sustaining an injury during her victorious US Open campaign, tournament organisers confirmed on Wednesday.
The Belarusian star, who recently defeated Amanda Anisimova to claim her second consecutive US Open title and fourth Grand Slam overall, said she was disappointed to miss the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.
“I am sad to announce my withdrawal from the China Open this year after sustaining a small injury after the U.S. Open,” Sabalenka said in a statement released by organisers. “I am going to focus on being 100% healthy for the rest of the year.”
Sabalenka reached the quarter-finals of the China Open last year. This year’s tournament will be held at the National Tennis Centre in Beijing from 24 September to 5 October.
American Coco Gauff is the defending champion.
