“Maybe it’s the fried rice that makes me run better”: Aryna Sabalenka jokes about her Wuhan secret

Monday, 12 October 2026 at 06:30

Aryna Sabalenka might have found the secret to dominating Wuhan, and it could have something to do with fried rice. The Belarusian returns to her favourite WTA 1000 tournament as a three-time champion, carrying a remarkable record at a venue where she has won almost every match she has played. This time, however, there is more at stake than another trophy.

Sabalenka owns a 20-1 record in Wuhan, having lifted the title in 2018, 2019 and 2024 before losing to Jessica Pegula in last year's semifinals. Her winning percentage of approximately 95% makes it by far her most successful tournament, giving her a chance to extend a record that few players can match at a single event.

The timing is important. Sabalenka has already won two WTA 1000 titles this season, at Indian Wells and Miami, but her last four appearances at that level have ended before the quarterfinals. Wuhan offers an opportunity to reverse that trend while strengthening her position in the battle for the world No. 1 ranking.

Elena Rybakina currently leads the WTA Race, but Sabalenka would move ahead of her by winning the title in China. With the WTA Finals approaching in November, the Belarusian has one more major opportunity to gain ground before taking a break ahead of the season-ending championships.

Aryna Sabalenka's Wuhan Open results

Year	Result	Rival	Score
2018	Champion	Anett Kontaveit	6–3, 6–3
2019	Champion	Alison Riske	6–3, 3–6, 6–1
2024	Champion	Zheng Qinwen	6–3, 5–7, 6–3
2025	Lost in semifinals	Jessica Pegula	6–2, 4–6, 6–7(2)

Sabalenka jokes about her Wuhan winning formula

Asked why she has enjoyed so much success in Wuhan, Sabalenka pointed to the tournament's facilities, the courts and its place late in the season. She also offered a more playful explanation, turning a question about her remarkable record into one of the most memorable moments of her pre-tournament interview.

“I don't know, I think I like the hotel, the site, of course the courts, and maybe because it's the last push of the season, you feel like you're ready to give it all and maybe that's why it's been quite successful," the world no. 2 said in her pre-tournament interview. "And I would say when I won it for the first time, I've been pretty successful in China overall.

Aryna Sabalenka raises her arms at Wuhan 2024.

“So I don't know, there's something about, I don't know, maybe fried rice that makes me run better? I don't know, I have to figure out that secret, but I love playing here.”

Sabalenka also highlighted the support she receives from Chinese fans, describing it as an important source of motivation throughout her career. “That's a dream. I feel like when I started I didn't have much fans on my side around the world and now everywhere I go I feel so much support and it really means a lot.”

Rybakina rivalry fuels Sabalenka's No. 1 ambitions

The ranking battle adds another dimension to Sabalenka's return. Her rivalry with Rybakina has become one of the defining contests of the season, and the 4-time Grand Slam champion believes their competition is pushing the leading players to improve.

“I love it, I love this, I would say, healthy rivalry. I feel like we both, not only us, it's like all of us, I feel like we're pushing each other to be better.”

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Sabalenka acknowledged that the season has included difficult defeats, but she sees those setbacks as opportunities to identify areas for improvement and return stronger. “I feel like this season been about learning from tough losses and take it as a good boost, as a good push to improve, to find something else to get better at and try to get back on top of the game. So I've been really enjoying this rivalry.”

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She has also qualified for the WTA Finals for the sixth consecutive year, a milestone she once struggled to imagine when she was trying to secure her first appearance in Singapore. “It's a dream and it means a lot and I'm super excited and I'm ready for this last push of the season.”

A fourth Wuhan title would extend Sabalenka's extraordinary record at the tournament and give her a significant boost in the race for No. 1. The fried rice theory remains unproven, but her results in China suggest she has found a winning formula.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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