Aryna Sabalenka lost to Sorana Cirstea in the third round of the Italian Open, raising injury concerns ahead of the French Open. This defeat marks her second loss in three matches as she prepares for the Grand Slam in less than two weeks.
Key points
Aryna Sabalenka lost to Sorana Cirstea at the Italian Open
Sabalenka is dealing with injury concerns
This defeat is her second in three matches
Cirstea's win is her first over a world number one
French Open begins in less than two weeks
Mentioned in this story
Aryna SabalenkaSorana Cirstea
Italian OpenFrench OpenMadrid Open
Aryna Sabalenka’s French Open preparations have suffered a setback following a third-round defeat by Sorana Cirstea at the Italian Open, with the world number one now looking to shake off an injury before the Grand Slam that begins in less than two weeks.
Sabalenka needed treatment late in her meeting with Cirstea on Saturday before she fell 6-2, 3-6, 5-7 for her second defeat in three matches after a quarterfinal loss to Hailey Baptiste at the Madrid Open last month.
It was a first win over a world number one for the 36-year-old Romanian, who is playing her final professional season.
“I’m very, very happy,” a beaming Cirstea said. “Aryna is an amazing player. I thought I played really well today. I’m working really, really hard. It’s nice to have this result as payoff.”
Sabalenka was visibly frustrated with her performance on centre court, muttering to herself with her shoulders slumped during an uncharacteristically sloppy display.
Romania's Sorana Cirstea celebrates after winning against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka during the WTA Rome Open tennis tournament at Foro Italico in Rome on May 9, 2026. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP)
Cirstea celebrates after winning against Sabalenka [Tiziana Fabi/AFP]
“I feel like I didn’t play well from the beginning till the end. I started really well, but I dropped the level,” four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka said in Rome.
“I felt like my body was limiting me from performing at the highest level. She stepped in and played incredible tennis. She didn’t really give me many opportunities.
“That was a tough one. But I guess we never lose; we only learn, so it’s OK.”
The Belarusian said she now hoped to regain her fitness in time for the French Open, which gets under way in Paris on May 24, after losing last year’s final against Coco Gauff.
Q&A
What injury concerns does Aryna Sabalenka have before the French Open?
Aryna Sabalenka is dealing with an injury that required treatment during her match against Sorana Cirstea at the Italian Open.
Who defeated Aryna Sabalenka at the Italian Open?
Sorana Cirstea defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the third round of the Italian Open.
How many matches has Aryna Sabalenka lost recently?
Aryna Sabalenka has lost two out of her last three matches, including a quarterfinal loss at the Madrid Open.
What was Sorana Cirstea's significance in her win over Sabalenka?
Sorana Cirstea's victory over Aryna Sabalenka marked her first win against a world number one player.
See every story in News — including breaking news and analysis.
“I’d say that probably it’s like my lower back, connected to the hip, which limited my full rotation,” the 28-year-old added.
“I guess we’re just going to have some days off. We’re going to spend it on recovery. That’s the plan for now.”
It was the second straight surprise exit for Sabalenka, who was upset by American Hailey Baptiste in the Madrid Open quarterfinals last week.
Cirstea will next play Linda Noskova in the round of 16.
Defending champion Jasmine Paolini wasted three match points in a 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 loss to Elise Mertens in the third round at home.
The 30-year-old is set to drop out of the top 10 of the women’s world rankings after failing to reach the fourth round of a fourth consecutive tournament.
Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka receives medical support during her match against Romania's Sorana Cirstea during the WTA Rome Open tennis tournament at Foro Italico in Rome on May 9, 2026. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP)
Sabalenka received medical support during the match [Tiziana Fabi/AFP]
Sinner starts strong
Jannik Sinner got his Italian Open campaign under way by brushing aside Sebastian Ofner 6-3, 6-4 to start his bid to extend a record-breaking run of five straight Masters 1000 tournament victories.
The world number one delighted fans in the packed centre court stands with a predictably dominant display, which left Austria’s Ofner little room to breathe, even in the breezy atmosphere of Rome.
Sinner won his 24th consecutive match in one hour and 40 minutes, the 24-year-old barely breaking a sweat to set up a clash with Alexei Popyrin or Jakub Mensik in the third round.
No Italian man has won at the Foro Italico since Adriano Panatta 50 years ago, and with Carlos Alcaraz out of action, Sinner is expected to go one better than last year when he lost the final to his great rival.
Such was Sinner’s dominance that he had time to break into a smile when the match was stopped twice in the second set for spectator illnesses.
“I’m very happy to be back here, it’s always been a very special tournament for me,” said Sinner.
“I’m trying to get into a good match rhythm again, even though I’ve played a lot in the last couple of months … I’m very happy, and now let’s see what’s coming also in the next round.”
Fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime suffered a shock second-round defeat at the hands of Argentina’s Mariano Navone, the Canadian losing to his 44th-ranked opponent in straight sets 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/5).
Italy's Jannik Sinner celebrates after winning the match against Austria's Sebastian Ofner at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Saturday, May 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Sinner celebrates after winning against Ofner [Alessandra Tarantino/AP]
