Aryna Sabalenka's shock defeat to Ann Li at the Wuhan Open has exposed a worrying weakness in her game, with 44 unforced errors contributing to her latest
setback in an increasingly difficult 2026 season.
The Belarusian squandered a one-set-and-a-break advantage before losing 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 to the American in the second round. Despite winning more points overall, Sabalenka failed to close out the match, raising further questions about her consistency as she prepares for the season-ending WTA Finals.
Sabalenka finished with 108 points, three more than Li's 105, but her 44 unforced errors proved costly. Li, meanwhile, recorded 28 unforced errors and eight aces to secure one of the biggest wins of her season.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Ann Li: The Statistic That Stands Out
Sabalenka's unforced error count was the most concerning aspect of her defeat in Wuhan. While she struck 36 winners, compared with Li's 31, her mistakes repeatedly undermined her attacking game.
The match statistics highlighted the difference in efficiency between the two players.
- Winners: Sabalenka 36, Li 31
- Unforced errors: Sabalenka 44, Li 28
- Aces: Sabalenka 2, Li 8
- Double faults: Sabalenka 6, Li 4
- First-serve percentage: Sabalenka 54%, Li 60%
- Break points converted: Sabalenka 4/8, Li 4/17
- Total points won: Sabalenka 108, Li 105
Although Sabalenka converted half of her break-point opportunities, Li created 17 chances and won four of them. The American's ability to remain competitive through the decisive stages ultimately proved crucial.
The statistics also underline a recurring concern for Sabalenka: when her aggressive approach produces too many errors, she can struggle to regain control of the match.
Naomi Broady Explains Why Sabalenka Lost
Former British tennis player Naomi Broady discussed Sabalenka's defeat during Sky Sports' post-match coverage, pointing to the contrast between the total points won and the final result.
"What a sport we play. Look at that down at the very bottom. Total points won; tell me another sport where you can win more points and come away not having won the match. It's so often about which points you win in tennis, getting yourself through the important ones. Sabalenka with three points more in total across the two and a half hour match," Broady said.
She also highlighted the number of opportunities Li had to break serve and the errors that prevented Sabalenka from making the most of her advantage.
"Ann Li with more opportunities; she took just four of 17 break point chances, but the unforced errors were leaking for Sabalenka at times, and that cost her in the end," she added.
The defeat was particularly disappointing given that Sabalenka had appeared to be in control after taking the opening set and establishing an advantage in the second.
Greg Rusedski Advises Sabalenka to Take an Extended Break
Former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski believes Sabalenka could benefit from stepping away from tennis after the WTA Finals to recover mentally and physically before beginning preparations for the next season.
Speaking on the *Off Court With Greg Rusedski* podcast, he suggested that a longer break could help the Belarusian rediscover her motivation and enjoyment of the game.
"Well sometimes you need to reset and a little bit of time away from the game. She's obviously trying to push for the end-of-season champs. Sometimes when you're feeling that way it's better to pull out of an event, but you get these guarantees in prize money and it's getting the balance," Rusedski said.
He also pointed to the disappointment of losing the US Open final to Elena Rybakina and relinquishing the world No. 1 ranking as possible factors behind Sabalenka's difficult end to the season.
"Then get away, get a break, don't even start until possibly the Australian Open like Novak Djokovic does or a lot of the other big names. Take an extended period away from the game so when they're ready to go, preparation is perfect and they're ready to hit the road for the rest of the season," he added.
Rusedski stressed that taking time away from competition should not necessarily be viewed negatively, arguing that a longer recovery period could help Sabalenka return with renewed energy.
Aryna Sabalenka's 2026 Season: 11 Defeats and Counting
The Wuhan exit was Sabalenka's 11th defeat of the season, adding to a series of disappointing results against players she would ordinarily be expected to beat.
Her losses have included defeats to Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open and US Open finals, as well as setbacks against Hailey Baptiste, Sorana Cirstea, Diana Shnaider, Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Sara Bejlek and Nikola Bartunkova.
Four of those defeats came against opponents ranked outside the top 30 at the time, according to the supplied report. The pattern has raised questions about her ability to maintain consistency when her attacking game begins to break down.
Sabalenka has won three titles in 2026, including the Sunshine Double at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, alongside Brisbane. However, she has not lifted another trophy since completing that run in March.
Broady acknowledged that the season has not been without positives, while recognising the high expectations Sabalenka faces.
"It's not been a season with nothing to celebrate at all, but we hold her to such high expectations that I'm sure she holds herself to as well. That will be a tough loss for her today," Broady said.
She added that Sabalenka could take some encouragement from her ability to keep fighting despite not feeling or playing at her best.
Can Aryna Sabalenka Turn Her Season Around at the WTA Finals?
The WTA Finals represent Sabalenka's next opportunity to test herself against the leading players on the tour. She lost to Rybakina in the final last year and will be looking to finish the 2026 season on a stronger note.
Rybakina, who defeated Sabalenka in Riyadh last year, has since emerged as a major rival in the battle for the top ranking. Sabalenka will be keen to respond after losing both the US Open final and her position as world No. 1.
Rusedski believes the season-ending tournament will offer a useful indication of where Sabalenka stands against the elite before she considers an extended break.
Her immediate challenge, however, is to address the errors that have undermined her performances. If she can reduce the number of unforced mistakes without sacrificing the aggressive style that has made her one of the leading players in women's tennis, Sabalenka will have a stronger chance of ending a difficult season on a positive note.
