Aryna Sabalenka reigned supreme at the 2024 Wuhan Open on Sunday (October 13), taking down local favorite Zheng Qinwen in the final in a thrilling three-setter. In addition to the trophy afterwards, the Belarusian received a shower of kisses from her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis as a gift for her success.

Coming into the final after a convincing win over Coco Gauff in the semifinals, Sabalenka started strong, taking the opening set 6-3. Zheng, however, did not surrender meekly, and took the second set 7-5 with a dramatic late flourish to force a decider. With all to play for, Sabalenka had to step on the gas, earning an early break of serve to go 3-0 up and then finishing off the set 6-3 to snatch glory.

It marked the World No. 2’s seventh WTA 1000 title of her career and second of the year, following the Cincinnati Open. 2024 has been an exceptional year for Sabalenka, who also took home the trophies at the Australian Open and the US Open.

In Wuhan, Sabalenka was accompanied by her boyfriend, who has become a rather common staple of her player’s box since the pair confirmed their relationship earlier this year during the Madrid Open. After securing the championship title, the three-time Grand Slam champion ran over to him in celebration and exchanged a romantic gesture in front of thousands of cheering Chinese fans.

Sabalenka, thanks to the win in Wuhan, has now taken the lead over Iga Swiatek in the WTA Race to Riyadh, and is in prime position to secure the year-end World No. 1 spot over the Pole.

With the win on Sunday, Aryna Sabalenka has extended her unbeaten record against Zheng Qinwen and is now 3-0 against the Chinese. The duo met earlier this year at the Australian Open and the US Open, both of which turned out to be straight-sets affairs.

Speaking at her post-match press conference, Sabalenka confessed that she allowed Zheng to come into the match in the second set after losing focus, and was glad to come away with the win at the end of the day.

“I felt like I just lost little bit focus and I let her come back in the match. I got a little bit frustrated there. It became a three-set match. Balls are getting heavier, it’s third set, a bit emotional,” Aryna Sabalenka said.

“I wouldn’t say that she did something differently. I would say that I just played kind of like against myself. But I’m really happy I was able to put everything together in the third set and get this win,” she added.

At the moment, Sabalenka is not committed to play any tournament before the WTA Finals.