World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka charged into her fourth consecutive Wuhan Open quarterfinal on Thursday, crediting a surprise training session with Novak Djokovic during her post-US Open break. The Belarusian powerhouse dominated Russia's Liudmila Samsonova 6-3, 6-2, extending her unbeaten Wuhan streak to 19 matches.
Champion Collaboration
Sabalenka revealed she spent part of her Greek vacation practicing with the 24-time Grand Slam champion. "We went for dinner. We practiced a couple times," she said. "I hope I was a great hitting partner. So far, he's winning in Shanghai, so I guess I was."
Swiatek's Milestone March
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek joined Sabalenka in the last eight, securing her 25th WTA 1000 quarterfinal with a gritty 7-6(2), 6-4 victory over Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic. The Polish star will face Italy's Jasmine Paolini, who advanced after Clara Tauson retired with injury.
Gauff Halts Chinese Challenge
US Open champion Coco Gauff ended local hopes by defeating Chinese wildcard Zhang Shuai 6-3, 6-2. The American teenager's precision proved too much for the crowd favorite in straight sets.
Sixth seed Jessica Pegula survived another marathon match, overcoming Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 to set up a quarterfinal clash with Czech qualifier Katerina Siniakova.
