Aryna Sabalenka lost to Sorana Cirstea in the Italian Open on May 10 after a lower back and hip issue hampered her play. The world No. 1 fell 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in a match that marked her earliest exit in 15 months. She now focuses on recovery ahead of the French Open.
Sabalenka started strongly but saw her level drop after the injury surfaced in the third set. She took a medical timeout for treatment on her lower back and hip, which limited her rotation and movement. The Belarusian later explained that her body prevented top performance throughout the contest.
