The final WTA 1000 of the season arrives in Wuhan, where Aryna Sabalenka returns to defend her title and close out another commanding year. This is her first tournament since winning the U.S. Open, her fourth Grand Slam crown, and she returns to a venue where she has never lost. The world No. 1 owns a 17-0 career record at the Wuhan Open, winning titles in 2018, 2019, and again in 2024.

 

 

 

Wuhan Open Prediction & Tournament Overview

Played from October 6–12, 2025, the tournament leads into the WTA Finals. Eight of the world’s top ten are in the field, with only Madison Keys and Zheng Qinwen absent. Zheng withdrew in Beijing due to a setback following elbow surgery. It’s the final week for players to secure 1000 ranking points before Riyadh.

Wuhan’s medium-fast hard courts play quick and low, rewarding players who strike early and take the ball on the rise. It’s a surface built for first-strike tennis, and few do that better than Sabalenka, whose serve and forehand tend to set the tone before her opponents can settle into a rally.

Iga Swiatek, the world No. 2, headlines the opposite half of the draw after winning the Korea Open two weeks ago. She’s looking to finish the season strong after a fourth-round loss to Emma Navarro in Beijing. Swiatek’s consistency this season has been unmatched, reaching the quarterfinals or better in 14 of 17 tournaments, and she remains Sabalenka’s most credible rival on tour. But Wuhan’s quicker conditions slightly blunt her spin-heavy baseline style, leaving room for other power players to surge late in the season.

The field also features Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, and Elena Rybakina, each at varying points of form. Sabalenka and Swiatek lead the conversation, but Anisimova’s current form and shot-making potential make her a name to watch.
 

 

 

Wuhan Open Best Bet: Aryna Sabalenka (+270)

Sabalenka’s record here is unmatched, three titles and zero losses. The Optics Valley courts perfectly complement her game, allowing her to control tempo off the first serve and forehand. She has consistently ranked among the best in service-hold metrics on hard courts.

Time off should not be viewed as a risk. She’s historically sharp after breaks, often returning with fresh legs and faster timing. Her section of the draw gives her space to ease into rhythm: Kalinskaya or Sramkova in her opener, Samsonova or Kenin next. Beyond that, she could face Noskova, Osaka, or Rybakina. All three can generate pace, but none defend consistently enough to disrupt her rhythm for long stretches.

Rybakina remains the biggest threat in Sabalenka’s half. She beat Aryna in Cincinnati before the U.S. Open, but she’s been inconsistent since. Sabalenka’s first serve is the key separator in that matchup, and she’s repeatedly proven that when it lands above 65%, her opponents cannot neutralize her offense.

Sabalenka’s power patterns translate perfectly to Wuhan’s conditions. The serve sets up her forehand early, and the fast pace shortens points, exactly what she thrives on. With a familiar environment, a fresh body, and confidence from her Grand Slam breakthrough, Sabalenka remains the logical and most reliable pick to win.
 

 

 

Wuhan Open Free Pick: Dark Horse - Amanda Anisimova (+950)

Anisimova is playing her best tennis of the year and enters Wuhan off back-to-back deep runs, including a finals appearance in Beijing that has her confidence peaking. Her confidence and ball-striking are reaching new heights at the right time, and she’s handling pressure moments better and better with a composure that was missing earlier in the season.

Few players on tour hit flatter or cleaner through the court, and that makes her dangerous on Wuhan’s quick surface. Anisimova’s improved balance of aggression and shot tolerance allows her to stay patient without losing her first-strike intent. She’s winning a strong percentage of first-serve points over the past month and has tightened up her unforced error count considerably since the summer hard-court swing.

Her draw is competitive but manageable. She wouldn’t see another American until a potential quarterfinal meeting with Jessica Pegula, a matchup she’s favored in given current form. From there, she could set up a semifinal with Sabalenka—a rematch of their U.S. Open showdown. If Anisimova keeps her forehand under control and continues serving this well, she’s capable of making another statement run.
 

 

 

How To Watch The Wuhan Open

The Wuhan Open can be watched on Tennis Channel. 

 

2025 Wuhan Open Odds & Betting Lines

Aryna Sabalenka +270
Iga Swiatek +370
Coco Gauff +700
Amanda Anisimova +950
Elena Rybakina +1300
Mirra Andreeva +1500
Jessica Pegula +2200
Karolina Muchova +2500
 

 

 

When Is The Wuhan Open

Qualifying takes place October 4–5, with main-draw play running October 6–12, 2025. The championship match is scheduled for Sunday, October 12.

This tournament precedes the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Historically, finalists in Wuhan have carried that form into the season-ending event, making this a crucial momentum builder.

 

How To Bet On Sabalenka at The Wuhan Open on FanDuel & Get $150 In Bonuses

FanDuel is offering new-player bonuses during the Wuhan Open, with futures betting available on Sabalenka. 
 

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