Although Aryna Sabalenka was considered the title favorite heading into the 2026 Italian Open, her campaign at the WTA 1000 event proved to be very short-lived. After cruising past Barbora Krejčíková in her opening match, the world No. 1 faced unexpected struggles while battling Sorana Cîrstea in the third round and ultimately bowed out of the tournament.
Aryna Sabalenka Discusses Her ‘Tough’ Italian Open Exit
Sabalenka made a strong start to her clash against Cîrstea, winning the first set 6-2. However, the Romanian raised her level and won the second set to force a decider. The four-time Grand Slam champion appeared frustrated during the deciding set and was involved in a tense exchange with her coaching team, who were providing advice from the player’s box.
Sabalenka to her box: “What are you showing me??”😭 pic.twitter.com/CbRNdPAiUr
— til polarity’s end 🎾⚡#SpallettiEra⚡⚫⚪ (@lildarkcage) May 9, 2026
While trailing 3-4 in the decider, Sabalenka called for a medical timeout and received treatment on her lower back.
Cîrstea, who has announced that 2026 will be her final season on tour, eventually completed a gritty comeback win, beating the world No. 1 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 after a 2-hour, 14-minute battle.
Speaking to the WTA after her loss, Sabalenka credited the Romanian for delivering an exceptional performance in the “tough” contest, while confessing that physical discomfort prevented her from playing at her best.
“Yeah, I feel like I didn’t play well from the beginning till the end. I started really well, but then I kind of dropped the level. Felt like my body was limiting me from performing on the highest level. She stepped in and played incredible tennis. Didn’t really give me much opportunities. Yeah, that was a tough one. But I guess we never lose; we only learn, so it’s okay,” the Belarusian said.
The 28-year-old also shed light on which part of her body gave her trouble during the contest. “I’d say that probably it’s like my lower back, connected to the hip, which kind of like limiting me from the full rotation. I guess we just going to have some days off. We’re going to spend it on recovery. That’s the plan I believe for now.”
While Aryna Sabalenka will now focus on her recovery ahead of the French Open, Sorana Cîrstea will turn her attention to preparing for her battle with Linda Nosková in the fourth round of the Italian Open.
