{
  "id": 14486410,
  "title": "Top seed Sabalenka falls at first hurdle in Wuhan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/top-seed-sabalenka-falls-at-first-hurdle-in-wuhan",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T15:16:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/10/14/top-seed-sabalenka-falls-at-first-hurdle-in-wuhan"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed, suffered an early exit from the Wuhan Open after losing to Ann Li 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) in the round of 16. The Belarusian player, who had previously fallen to Nikola Bartunkova in the third round at the China Open, lost her number one ranking to Elena Rybakina last month. Playing with protective taping on her right knee, Sabalenka was in control until Li shifted the momentum in her favor halfway through the second set. Sabalenka lost nine match points during the match, but struggled with her movement, ultimately losing the deciding set. Elsewhere, Jessica Pegula was also eliminated, losing to Jelena Ostapenko 2-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-3. The second-seeded Pegula wasted three match points during her defeat. Earlier, Iga Swiatek, the seventh seed, defeated Magdalena Frech 6-2, 6-1, advancing to face Ashlyn Krueger in the round of 16. Karolina Muchova, the Wimbledon finalist, overcame a three-hour rain delay to beat Caty McNally 3-6, 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/4) and will face Diana Shnaider next. British qualifier Sonay Kartal, who missed six months due to a spinal stress fracture, upset ninth-seeded Belinda Bencic 6-0, 7-5, setting up a round of 16 match against Jasmine Paolini.",
  "summary": "Aryna Sabalenka suffered a second early exit as her bid for a fourth Wuhan Open title was foiled by American world No 31 Ann Li, who won 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) in the second round.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Top seed Sabalenka falls at first hurdle in Wuhan",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/top-seed-sabalenka-falls-at-first-hurdle-in-wuhan-14488535",
        "published": "2026-10-14T15:16:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}