Aryna Sabalenka injured before French Open? World No.1 reveals fitness scare

Aryna Sabalenka revealed that a lower back and hip issue hampered her movement during her shock Italian Open defeat to Sorana Cirstea, forcing her to take a medical timeout in the deciding set.

In Short

• Sabalenka took a medical timeout in the deciding set against Cirstea
• Sabalenka said pain around her hip restricted movement
• Sabalenka crashed out of the Italian Open on Saturday

Aryna Sabalenka revealed that she struggled with a lower back issue during her Italian Open clash against Sorana Cirstea. On Saturday, the World No.1 suffered a shock third-round defeat to the Romanian, going down 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in Rome. The loss also marked Sabalenka’s second successive upset after her earlier defeat to American Hailey Baptiste at the Madrid Open.

During the deciding set, Sabalenka took a medical timeout after appearing to struggle with a left hip problem. The Belarusian later explained that the discomfort stemmed from her lower back and hip area, which limited her movement and full rotation during shots. She added that she would now take a few days off to focus on recovery ahead of 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. I guess we’re just going to take a few days off and focus on recovery. That’s the plan for now,” Sabalenka said in the post-match press conference.

‘MY BODY WAS LIMITING ME’

Sabalenka admitted her level dropped after a strong start and said physical discomfort prevented her from performing at her best. She also praised Cirstea’s aggressive display, calling it a tough but valuable learning experience.

“Yeah, I felt like I didn’t play well from beginning to end. I started really well, but then my level dropped. It felt like my body was limiting me from performing at the highest level. She stepped in and played incredible tennis, and didn’t really give me many opportunities. It was a tough one, but I guess we never lose, we only learn, so it’s okay,” Sabalenka added.

HOW SABALENKA FELL APART AGAINST CIRSTEA

Against Sorana Cirstea, Sabalenka looked firmly in command at the start, cruising through the first set and moving 2-0 ahead in the second. But her rhythm gradually faded as unforced errors started piling up, allowing Cirstea to gain momentum and belief.

Sabalenka’s frustration was evident as the contest progressed. Though she managed to stage a brief comeback from 4-5 down in the deciding set, Cirstea stayed composed in the crucial moments to pull off a stunning upset.

Sabalenka heads into the French Open under mounting pressure after back-to-back shock defeats in Madrid and Rome. After squandering six match points against Hailey Baptiste in Madrid, the World No.1 again struggled with errors on clay, raising concerns over her consistency and preparation ahead of Roland Garros, where she still seeks her maiden title.

- Ends