Sorana Cirstea defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set match at the Italian Open on May 9. The Romanian came back from a first-set deficit to win 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the round of 32.
Cirstea, who is in her final season on tour after announcing her retirement at the end of 2026, described the victory as one of the most spectacular in her career. In her post-match interview she told the crowd at Campo Centrale that she might reconsider retirement if she wins the tournament.