Aryna Sabalenka's shock Wuhan Open exit could prove even more costly than first feared

Aryna Sabalenka's inconsistent form continued at the Wuhan Open, and her shock early exit has major implications for her WTA ranking.

The world No. 2, who entered the Wuhan Open as the top seed Elena Rybakina's absence, suffered a shock second-round exit at the WTA 1000 event on Monday after losing 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) to 31st-ranked Ann Li.

Sabalenka held the number one spot in women's tennis for almost two years until she lost in the final of the US Open to Rybakina in September, and now has a mountain to climb to end the year at the top of the rankings.

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Aryna Sabalenka's number one hopes dealt blow after Wuhan Open exit

Although the Belarusian is the only WTA player to defend a Grand Slam or WTA 1000 title in 2026 after Coco Gauff withdrew from the Wuhan Open, the 28-year-old has had a disappointing 2026 compared with last year.

Sabalenka hasn't won a major, reaching only the finals of the Australian Open and US Open, while collecting titles at Indian Wells, Miami, and Brisbane.

Worryingly, the four-time Grand Slam champion has lost three of her last four matches, having fallen in the third round at the China Open earlier this month.

At the beginning of the Wuhan Open, Sabalenka was second in the WTA Rankings with 7,550 points - 2,146 points adrift of Rybakina and 1,179 points clear of world No. 3 Mirra Andreeva.

She is now 1,647 points behind Rybakina after she dropped 500 points from the 2025 Wuhan Open. In addition, Sabalenka is second in the WTA Race to Indian Wells — the yearly ranking system — with 6,560 points.

Rybakina is the favourite to finish on top as she holds a 942-point advantage over her rival after Sabalenka missed a golden opportunity to close the gap.

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Aryna Sabalenka's biggest weakness unearthed

Truthfully, Sabalenka has struggled to claim titles since winning the Miami Open in March, and in a recent conversation with Vogue, she opened up on her struggles.

"I started the season really well on a strong note, but then something went really off the hill but I'm getting back on track," the world No.2 said.

Sabalenka has been working hard to improve her problems, and many believe that it's her mental side that is letting her down.

The former Wimbledon finalist is known for visibly showing her frustrations, when she would arguably benefit from being calmer and more collected.

When discussing her shortcomings in August, Serena and Venus Williams former coach Rick Macci said she was "competing against herself".

"Her confidence comes and goes, rises and falls, but she still has that explosive power from the baseline," he admitted.

"She can completely change the situation at the last Grand Slam of the season, because she has already proven mentally that she is a tiger, not a lamb," he added.

"Right now, Sabalenka is competing against herself. When an athlete reaches that point, they can still win a few matches, but mentally, their confidence is going in circles."