Wuhan Open 2025: Thursday, October 9 Schedule – Round of 16 Action Continues as Top Seeds Battle for Quarterfinal Spots
The Dongfeng · Voyah Wuhan Open 2025 enters a critical stage on Thursday as the Round of 16 continues at the Optics Valley International Tennis Center. With the world’s best players vying for spots in the quarterfinals, fans can expect another thrilling day of top-level tennis in one of Asia’s premier WTA 1000 tournaments.
The event, which carries a prize purse of $3,654,963, has already delivered several standout performances and surprises. As the tournament heads into its fourth day of main draw action, Thursday’s lineup features a mix of marquee clashes and intriguing matchups that could reshape the road to the title.
Center Court: Sabalenka, Swiatek, and Gauff Headline the Day
The Center Court schedule begins at 11:00 a.m. local time, headlined by several of the WTA’s biggest names. Among the most anticipated matches is World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s clash with Liudmila Samsonova, seeded 16th. Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion in Wuhan, has looked commanding throughout the early rounds. Known for her power-packed baseline game, the Belarusian will look to maintain her winning streak and continue her quest for a third consecutive Wuhan title.
Following the morning session, the action will heat up “not before 12:30 p.m.” with Jessica Pegula facing Ekaterina Alexandrova. Pegula, seeded sixth, brings her trademark consistency and tactical clarity to the matchup, while Alexandrova’s aggressive style and flat hitting make her a dangerous opponent on Wuhan’s hard courts. The two have met several times in recent years, with Pegula typically holding the edge, but the fast surface in Wuhan could favor Alexandrova’s first-strike tennis.
In the mid-afternoon slot (not before 2:30 p.m.), Coco Gauff takes the court against local favorite Shuai Zhang, who entered the tournament as a wild card. The crowd is expected to rally behind Zhang, who has thrilled fans in her home country with her resilience and experience. Gauff, meanwhile, has been in strong form, showcasing the all-around athleticism that earned her her first Grand Slam title last year. The matchup offers a compelling contrast between youthful energy and veteran savvy.
The evening session, beginning not before 7:00 p.m., features a blockbuster battle between Iga Świątek, the world No. 2, and Belinda Bencic, seeded 13th. Świątek has shown flashes of her dominant clay-court form on the Wuhan hard courts, while Bencic’s precise shot-making and court intelligence could test the Pole’s rhythm. This encounter will likely draw a packed stadium and could prove decisive in shaping the championship narrative.
The final match of the day on Center Court will depend on the conclusion of the ongoing contest between Jaqueline Cristian and Elena Rybakina. As of the tournament’s schedule release on Wednesday night, the match was still in progress, with both players fighting for a spot in the last 16. The winner will face Linda Nosková, who has quietly impressed with her composed play this week.
Court 1: Paolini Returns, Doubles Action Highlights the Schedule
Court 1 also presents an exciting lineup beginning at 11:00 a.m. The Italian duo Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani will feature prominently in both singles and doubles competition. Paolini, seeded seventh, continues her strong 2025 season after a deep run at the US Open, while Errani remains a fan favorite for her fighting spirit and deft touch.
In singles action, Paolini meets Clara Tauson of Denmark in a Round of 16 clash scheduled for later in the day. Tauson’s heavy baseline game could challenge Paolini’s speed and variety. Later, the Italian pair of Errani and Paolini will team up in doubles against Bianca Andreescu and Yue Yuan, the latter representing China and sure to enjoy strong local support. Andreescu, competing under a wild card entry, is also returning from injury and looking to rebuild confidence through both singles and doubles play.
The doubles schedule continues with the pairing of Leylah Fernandez (CAN) and Erin Routliffe (NZL) facing alternates Linda Nosková (CZE) and Rebecca Šramková (SVK). Fernandez, known for her fearless court coverage, and Routliffe, one of the tour’s top doubles specialists, have been one of the more consistent duos on tour this season.
Another doubles contest sees Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider, two of Russia’s brightest young prospects, take on Laura Siegemund and Fanny Stollár. With all players possessing strong doubles instincts, this match could provide an entertaining display of net play and tactical exchanges.
Court 2 and Beyond: Flexible Scheduling and High Stakes
Action on Court 2 will begin “after suitable rest, not before 5:00 p.m.”, with additional doubles matches possibly being moved to accommodate earlier singles contests. Tournament officials, led by Director Brenda Perry and WTA Supervisors Sheetal Iyer and Pam Whytcross, have kept the schedule flexible to ensure player recovery and fairness amid a dense slate of matches.
The Road Ahead
As Thursday’s schedule unfolds, the Wuhan Open edges closer to its decisive rounds. With top seeds like Sabalenka, Świątek, Gauff, and Pegula still in contention, the quarterfinal lineup is poised to feature a blend of familiar champions and fresh contenders. Local fans will also keep a close watch on Chinese hopeful Yue Yuan and veteran Shuai Zhang, both aiming to extend their campaigns on home soil.
With the WTA Finals in Riyadh looming later this month, the Wuhan Open has taken on added significance for players chasing valuable ranking points and momentum heading into the season’s grand finale. Thursday’s battles, therefore, are not just about advancing — they’re about staking a claim among the elite as the 2025 season enters its dramatic closing stretch.
