2025 Wuhan Open: Zhang Shuai fires on all cylinders to secure consecutive wins, Yuan Yue falls again to tough opponent Paolini

On October 8th, Beijing time, the 2025 Wuhan Open reached its third day of main draw competition. Chinese player Yuan Yue appeared on the night session and fought a tough three-set match against 7th seed Paolini, eventually losing 6-3/4-6/3-6 and bowing out in the second round. This year, Yuan has not yet beaten Paolini in three encounters. Paolini advances to challenge 10th seed Tauson for a place in the last eight.

Paolini

Yuan Yue

Wildcard entrant Zhang Shuai from China won back-to-back three-set battles over two days. Today she defeated Romanian player Costea 6-4/3-6/6-4 to reach the women's singles round of 16. Zhang held a commanding 5-0 lead in the deciding set but squandered two match points as her opponent closed to 5-4. However, she broke serve again in the tenth game to seal the victory.

Zhang Shuai

In a post-match interview, Zhang Shuai said, "I'm happy with all the effort I've put in over the past two days. I believe this Zhang Shuai is the best I've ever been, but an even better version is yet to come. Those who know me understand how much work I’ve done. We just need to keep planting seeds, and the good fruits will come."

Gauff

Zhang Shuai’s next opponent in the third round will be 3rd seed Gauff, who cruised to a 6-1/6-0 win over qualifier Uesugi Momoka for a strong start at this Wuhan Open. Looking ahead to the match, Zhang said, "I often train with Coco, so we know each other well. His coach also watched my match earlier. I just need to focus on my own game. I believe tomorrow I will give everything, play smart, and use all I have to overcome the challenge."

Sabalenka

World No.1 Sabalenka, making her first appearance since winning the US Open, came from behind to beat Shramkova 4-6/6-3/6-1, narrowly surviving her title defense opener. She extended her winning streak at Wuhan to 18 matches and will face 16th seed Samsonova in the third round. Samsonova also staged a comeback, defeating former Australian Open champion Kenin 3-6/6-3/6-1.

Pegula

6th seed Pegula, despite losing a 5-2 lead and six match points in the deciding set, edged compatriot Batiste 6-4/4-6/7-6(6) to reach the round of 16. She will face 9th seed Alexandrova, who defeated Ann Li in straight sets 7-6(5)/6-2.

Rybakina

Noskova

8th seed Rybakina defeated Romanian player Cristian 6-4/6-3 to advance to the last 16, where she will face Wuhan runner-up Noskova. Noskova continued her strong form by beating 11th seed Osaka 7-6(2)/6-3, marking her 10th top-20 win this season. 12th seed Muchova retired due to physical issues while trailing 6-7(1)/1-4, allowing opponent Frech to advance and meet Siegemund. Belgian player Mertens withdrew before the match due to injury, giving Bencic a walkover into the round of 16 to face Poland’s star Swiatek.

Day 4 Schedule

The schedule for October 9 has been released, with women’s singles third-round matches set to take place. Sabalenka, Rybakina, and Pegula will return to the center court aiming for quarterfinal spots. The highlight night match features 2nd seed Swiatek versus Swiss star Bencic, followed by Zhang Shuai facing 3rd seed Gauff as the final match. Other courts will host additional women’s singles third-round and doubles second-round contests.

Photo: Provided by the tournament