Sabalenka withdraws from China Open due to injury

Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the China Open due to an injury suffered during her title-winning campaign at Flushing Meadows, organisers said on Wednesday.

The Belarusian, who defeated Amanda Anisimova to win a second straight US Open crown and fourth Grand Slam title earlier this month, reached the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 event in Beijing last year.

"I am sad to announce my withdrawal from the China Open this year after sustaining a small injury after the US Open," Sabalenka said in a statement provided by organisers.

"I am going to focus on being 100 per cent healthy for the rest of the year ..."

American Coco Gauff is the defending champion at the China Open, which will take place at the National Tennis Centre in Beijing from 24 September to 5 October.