Aryna Sabalenka maintained her unbeaten record at the Wuhan Open with her third title to close in on Iga Swiatek at the top of the rankings.

Sabalenka lifted the trophy on both her previous visits in 2018 and 2019 and was unbeatable again following the tournament’s return to the schedule this year.

The Belarusian defeated home favourite Zheng Qinwen 6-3 5-7 6-3 and is now only 69 points behind Swiatek in the rankings, setting up an enticing battle at the WTA Finals next month.

Zheng had failed to win a set in three previous meetings with Sabalenka, including in the final of the Australian Open this year, but this was a much tighter encounter.

The Chinese fifth seed fought back very strongly after going a set and a break down to lead 5-3 in the second, failed to serve it out but then broke Sabalenka for the third time to level the match.

It was Sabalenka on top at the start of the decider, though, and, despite Zheng’s attempts to came back, the top seed clinched victory on her third match point.

“This place definitely feels like home,” said Sabalenka. “I’ll do my best to keep holding this beautiful trophy in this beautiful place.”