BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN-ROSE
Aryna Sabalenka has raised fresh concerns ahead of the French Open after crashing out of the Italian Open in a surprise third-round defeat to Sorana Cîrstea.
The world No.1 was beaten 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in Rome on Saturday after struggling physically during the deciding set. Sabalenka required a medical timeout for treatment on her lower back and hip, with visible discomfort affecting her movement and power late in the match.
The Belarusian, who also suffered a disappointing loss at the Madrid Open last month, admitted after the match that the injury limited her performance.
“I felt like my body was stopping me from playing at my best,” Sabalenka said. “We’ll focus on recovery over the next few days and see how things improve.”
Her latest setback comes less than two weeks before the start of the French Open at Roland Garros, increasing doubts over her condition for the clay-court Grand Slam.
Cîrstea, currently ranked No.27 in the world and set to retire at the end of the season, praised Sabalenka after securing one of the biggest wins of her year.
“I knew I had to play aggressively and stay focused,” the Romanian said. “Beating the world No.1 is always special.”
She will next face Linda Noskova in the next round.
Sabalenka is not the only top player dealing with fitness problems before Paris. Novak Djokovic also exited the Italian Open early and revealed ongoing physical struggles, while Carlos Alcaraz has already withdrawn from the French Open because of a wrist injury.
