Aryna Sabalenka revealed that a lower back and hip issue affected her performance during her Italian Open third-round loss to Sorana Cirstea in Rome.
The World No.1 took a medical timeout in the deciding set after struggling with movement and rotation.
Sabalenka admitted that the discomfort limited her ability to play at full strength. “It’s probably my lower back connected to the hip, which is limiting my full rotation. I’ll take a few days off and focus on recovery,” she said after the match.
The Belarusian started strongly, winning the first set 6-2 and leading 2-0 in the second, but her rhythm faded as errors mounted. Cirstea capitalised on the momentum shift to claim a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory.
Sabalenka’s defeat marked her second consecutive early exit following her loss to Hailey Baptiste at the Madrid Open. She acknowledged that physical limitations and frustration affected her focus, saying her body “was limiting” her from performing at her best.
Despite the setback, Sabalenka praised Cirstea’s aggressive play and called the match a learning experience. She plans to rest and recover before the French Open later this month, where she will aim to regain form and chase her maiden Roland Garros title.
