Sabalenka after defending title in Wuhan: "I couldn't even imagine that I will be able to do this"

It is already the third title from China in a row for Sabalenka, after winning also at the Shenzhen Open earlier this year. In the final in Shenzhen she also defeated Riske 2-1 and now she spoke about her feelings after defending the title in Wuhan.

"I can't believe that I defend this title. I couldn't even imagine that I will be able to do this. Right now I'm just happy. I don't know. I can't believe it's happened," Sabalenka said.

"This means a lot. This year been really tough for everyone. I was really afraid that I will be not able to defend this title. I was already saving my points on the beginning of this year. This was my problem. That's why I couldn't work well, couldn't play well, couldn't fight actually."

Sabalenka commented also on her opponent who was figthing in the final match for almost 2 hours.

"She played really well. She's a great player, big fighter. I knew it's going to be a tough match," Sabalenka assessed.

Third set I came out, like, 'This is a final, try to do everything you can. Just one match to go, just do your best.' I was just focusing on my game, focusing on each point. It's help me to come back in this match."

The defeated finalist Riske also expressed her feelings after losing.

"She played a really solid first set. I knew going into the second, I was going to have to push back somehow. I wasn't very forgiving of myself in the third. It kind of worked on my head a little bit. I really lost it. It was really tough," Riske said in defeat.