Aryna Sabalenka is set to make her return to WTA action at the penultimate WTA 1000 event of the season in Wuhan.
The Belarusian is the reigning champion at the Wuhan Open and is looking to hoist the trophy for the fourth time in a row, having secured a three-peat last year.
She will play her first tour-level match in over a month, after taking an extended break from tennis following her US Open triumph, in which Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova to clinch back-to-back crowns at Flushing Meadows.
Ahead of her title defence in China, the four-time major champion explained why she took extra time off after her New York triumph.
Aryna Sabalenka speaks ahead of her run at the Wuhan Open
Giving an update on her fitness in a press conference before her first match, Sabalenka said: “I feel so good.
“I just didn’t want to rush my body into another tournament too soon [after the US Open]. I took some extra time to recover and make sure I’m ready.
“Now I can assure you that I will do my best. Hopefully, I can claim this beautiful trophy again.
“I’m really happy with my season. I’ve learned a lot of tough lessons, especially from the Grand Slam losses earlier this year.
“But those matches only made me stronger as a player and as a person. Of course, I’d love to change a couple of finals, but looking back, those experiences were needed to make me better.”
