World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka crashed out of the Italian Open Saturday after losing 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 to Sorana Cirstea on Rome's Centrale court, with the Belarusian citing lower back pain that hampered her movement in the third-round match that lasted 2 hours and 17 minutes.
Sign in or create a free account.
Gain access to limited free articles, news alerts, and morning briefings.
By continuing, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Enjoy unlimited access to Insider Wire.
See subscription optionsThe upset marked Cirstea's first victory over a world No. 1 in the 36-year-old Romanian's final professional season. Sabalenka, who earned $1.2 million for winning the Australian Open in January, needed medical treatment during the second set and appeared visibly frustrated throughout the error-filled performance that saw her commit 47 unforced errors.
Cirstea, ranked 31st in the world, dominated the opening set before Sabalenka fought back to level the match. The deciding set featured five service breaks, with Cirstea converting her fourth match point to secure the biggest victory of her 18-year professional career.
Physical Limitations Hamper Champion
Sabalenka blamed the loss on physical limitations that prevented her from competing at full strength. The 28-year-old four-time Grand Slam champion said her lower back and hip restricted her rotation during rallies, forcing her to shorten points and abandon her typically aggressive baseline game.
I felt like my body was limiting me from performing at the highest level. She stepped in and played incredible tennis.
Medical staff treated Sabalenka during a lengthy timeout at 3-2 in the second set, working on her lower back as she lay face-down on the court. She returned to win four of the next five games to force a decider, but her movement remained compromised throughout the final set.
The defeat continues a disappointing clay court season for Sabalenka, who also lost to American Hailey Baptiste in the Madrid Open quarterfinals on May 2. Her struggles on clay follow a dominant hard court swing that included titles in Brisbane, Indian Wells, and Miami, plus a runner-up finish at the Australian Open where she lost to Coco Gauff in the final.
Clay Court Struggles Continue Pattern
Sabalenka's early Roman exit extends a troubling pattern on clay courts that dates back three seasons. Since 2022, she has reached just one clay court final - last year's French Open championship match - despite her dominance on hard courts where she has won six of her seven WTA titles.
Her 2024 clay court record now stands at 4-3 following losses in Madrid and Rome. The Belarusian has struggled with the surface's slower pace and higher bounces, which neutralize her powerful serve-and-forehand combination that proves so effective on faster surfaces.
Tennis analysts have long questioned whether Sabalenka's aggressive style translates effectively to clay, where longer rallies and defensive skills often determine outcomes. Her physical issues in Rome add another layer of concern heading into Roland Garros.
French Open Preparations in Doubt
Sabalenka plans to focus on recovery before the French Open begins May 27 in Paris. Last year's Roland Garros finalist, who earned $1.18 million for reaching that championship match, hoped to return to peak form on clay this season after hiring new fitness coach Jason Stacy in the off-season.
The Belarusian said she would take several days off to work on rehabilitation before traveling to Paris. Her physical issues raise serious questions about her readiness for tennis's premier clay court event, where she seeks her first French Open title and faces a challenging draw that includes defending champion Iga Swiatek.
Cirstea celebrated her breakthrough victory over the world's top player, calling it validation for her hard work in her farewell season. She advances to face Czech teenager Linda Noskova in Monday's round of 16, having earned $48,390 for reaching the fourth round.
What's Next
Sabalenka's team will monitor her back injury over the next week, with French Open qualifying beginning May 20. Her fitness will be tested during practice sessions at Roland Garros, where first-round matches start May 27. The draw ceremony is scheduled for May 23, giving tournament organizers and Sabalenka's camp clarity on her opening opponent. Her early Roman exit opens questions about clay court form among the women's field, where Swiatek remains the overwhelming favorite for a fourth French Open title.
