Sabalenka Faces Setback at Italian Open Due to Injury
Aryna Sabalenka recently shared that she faced a lower back issue during her match at the Italian Open against Sorana Cirstea. The World No.1 experienced a surprising defeat on Saturday, losing the match 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in Rome. This loss marked her second consecutive setback, following an earlier defeat to American Hailey Baptiste at the Madrid Open.
During the tense final set, Sabalenka took a medical timeout after struggling with what appeared to be a hip problem. She later revealed that the pain originated from her lower back and hip, which affected her movements and shots. Looking ahead, Sabalenka plans to take a few days off to focus on recovery in preparation for the French Open later this month.
“I’d say it’s probably my lower back connected to the hip, which is limiting my full rotation. We’ll take a few days off to concentrate on recovery. That’s the plan for now,” she stated in the post-match interview.
‘MY BODY WAS LIMITING ME’
Sabalenka acknowledged that her performance dipped after a strong start, mentioning that physical discomfort hindered her ability to play at her best. She also commended Cirstea for her aggressive style, calling the match a tough but important learning moment.
“I felt like I didn’t play well from start to finish. I started strong, but then my level dropped. It felt like my body was holding me back. She played incredible tennis and didn’t offer me many chances. It was a tough match, but I believe we learn from every loss,” Sabalenka said.
MATCH STRUGGLES AGAINST CIRSTEA
Initially, Sabalenka appeared to be in control against Sorana Cirstea, easily taking the first set and leading 2-0 in the second. However, as unforced errors began to accumulate, her rhythm slipped, allowing Cirstea to gain confidence.
As the match progressed, Sabalenka’s frustration became evident. While she made a brief comeback from 4-5 down in the final set, Cirstea maintained her composure at critical moments, ultimately sealing the upset victory.
Entering the French Open, Sabalenka faces increasing pressure after consecutive defeats in Madrid and Rome. Having missed multiple match points against Baptiste in Madrid and struggling with errors on clay, concerns about her consistency and preparation have arisen. She continues to seek her first title at Roland Garros.
Article by Sabyasachi Chowdhury
Published on: May 10, 2026
