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The concerning statistic from Aryna Sabalenka’s latest defeat explains why she’s struggling so badly

World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka suffered her 11th loss of the season in a disheartening second-round exit at the Wuhan Open, falling to rising American Ann Li in a three-set thriller.

Despite holding a commanding 3-6, 4-1 lead and battling a nagging knee issue, Sabalenka’s momentum unraveled as Li converted a match point to secure a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 victory. The defeat was underscored by a troubling stat: Sabalenka committed 44 unforced errors—nearly twice as many as Li’s 28—despite winning more total points (108 to 105).

Her inability to contain mistakes under pressure compounded frustration, as even when she produced winners, the errors piled up relentlessly, ultimately costing her the match. Former British player Naomi Broady highlighted the irony of Sabalenka’s point dominance, noting that Li’s efficiency in converting break points (4 of 17) and minimizing errors proved decisive in a match where precision outweighed volume.

Sabalenka’s next opportunity arrives at the WTA Finals in California, where she’ll seek redemption after last year’s final loss to Elena Rybakina, though her current form raises questions about whether she can reclaim her peak consistency before the season’s end.

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