“Distractions - that's the right word”: Jimmy Connors points to Sabalenka's biggest concern ahead of Wuhan
WTA
Jimmy Connors believes Aryna Sabalenka needs to regain her focus after a difficult run of results, with the former world No. 1 facing an important week at the Wuhan Open. The American tennis legend praised the Belarusian's power but suggested that distractions away from the court could be affecting her ability to execute under pressure.
Sabalenka arrives in China after suffering a surprise third-round defeat to Nikola Bartunkova at the China Open, losing 6-4, 6-3 to the Czech player. The result extended a frustrating period for the two-time Australian Open champion, who has not won a title since completing the Sunshine Double with victories at Indian Wells and Miami in March.
Her next opportunity to respond comes at the Wuhan Open, which begins on October 12. With world No. 1 Elena Rybakina withdrawing because of a foot injury, Sabalenka will be the top seed and one of the leading contenders for the WTA 1000 title. However, her path could quickly become complicated, with Zheng Qinwen and Ann Li among her potential early opponents.
Wuhan also carries significance for Sabalenka's hopes of finishing the season at the top of the rankings. She has previously dominated the tournament, winning three titles and building a 20-1 record before this year's edition. A deep run would give her an important opportunity to collect points and keep the year-end No. 1 race alive as the season approaches its conclusion.
Connors points to distractions affecting Sabalenka
Speaking on his Advantage Connors podcast, the American made clear that he remains impressed by Sabalenka's game. However, he believes the difference between winning and losing can sometimes come down to small margins when a player is struggling to maintain focus.
“You know, we've talked about her a lot, you know, and I like her game. She flat-out thumps the ball. But when you have other things on your mind, and I've watched her play when she wins, and I've watched her play when she loses,” the former world No. 1 said. “You know, sometimes that going for the line becomes a three or four inches to the wrong side. And you can't explain why that happens, but outside influences are a bad influence.”
Connors subsequently clarified what he meant, identifying distractions as the central issue. He did not specify which outside influences he believed were affecting Sabalenka, but his assessment was that even a player with her power and ability can struggle when her concentration is not entirely on the task in front of her.
“She's gonna have to regroup. I like her. It's just not her. She's gonna have to get back into it and realize what makes everything else possible in her life, you know, around tennis. That's the key, because, you know, if you're not winning, they ain't paying!”
The comments follow a period in which Sabalenka has struggled to turn strong individual performances into more titles. She reached the US Open final before losing to Rybakina, then exited Beijing earlier than expected.
Wuhan gives Sabalenka another chance to close the gap
The Wuhan Open offers a particularly relevant test because Sabalenka has been so successful there in the past. She won the title in 2018, 2019 and 2024, establishing a lengthy winning streak before Jessica Pegula ended it in the 2025 semifinals.
Sabalenka's opening match will be against the winner of the first-round meeting between Zheng and Li. Zheng reached the China Open final after a strong run on home soil, while Li also arrives with confidence after defeating Belinda Bencic in Beijing. Elise Mertens could pose another challenge later in Sabalenka's section, while Iga Swiatek is a potential quarterfinal opponent.
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That draw means Sabalenka will have little time to settle into the tournament. A fourth Wuhan title would strengthen her position in the closing weeks of the season, although it would not by itself guarantee a return to world No. 1. With Rybakina absent from Wuhan, Sabalenka can gain ground in the year-end race, but the WTA Finals will shape the final standings.
For now, the immediate task is to turn her response to Beijing into a more convincing performance on court. Connors remains supportive of Sabalenka's game, but his message is that power alone cannot resolve every problem.
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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