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World number one Aryna Sabalenka will return to competition at the Wuhan Open next week to defend her title after a short spell out through injury, though home favourite Zheng Qinwen has been forced to withdraw.
Sabalenka, who claimed her fourth Grand Slam at the US Open last month, missed the China Open in Beijing this week with what she described as a minor problem.
The 27-year-old from Belarus is expected to make her comeback in Wuhan, where she is not only the defending champion but also a three-time winner.
The WTA 1000 event begins on Monday and will also feature top-ranked contenders Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, with the latter reaching the semi-finals in Beijing on Saturday.
However, the tournament suffered a setback on Friday when Olympic champion Zheng confirmed she would not be competing.
The Chinese world number nine, who grew up in Wuhan and finished as runner-up to Sabalenka last year, is still recovering from recent elbow surgery.
Zheng was forced to retire from her second-round match at the China Open earlier this week and admitted she has not fully regained her fitness.
“Unfortunately, my body has not returned to its best condition,” she said in a video message. “After discussions with my doctors and team, I have had to withdraw from this year’s Wuhan Open. I am very grateful for the support from all fans, especially those from my hometown.”
