Pushed by Sramkova, Sabalenka Pulls Through in Wuhan

World number one Aryna Sabalenka made her debut at the Wuhan tournament against Rebecca Sramkova, ranked 68th in the world.

It was not an easy start as she was caught off guard by the Slovakian in the first set, broken right away.

Despite an immediate break back, Sramkova managed to regain her break in the following game and held on until the end of the set, which she won 6-4.

The Belarusian managed to regroup in the second set and broke Sramkova in the fourth game, an advantage she maintained despite facing 6 break points.

Sabalenka started the decisive set in the best possible way by breaking her opponent's serve right away. She secured a double break in the fifth game and ultimately won 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

She will face Liudmila Samsonova in the next round.