Aryna Sabalenka fell to Sorana Cîrstea in the third round of the Italian Open on May 9, 2026, with the match marked by a controversial medical timeout. The world No. 1 lost 6-2, 3-6, 5-7 after receiving treatment late in the deciding set.
Sabalenka, who had been vocal about prize money issues ahead of the event, dropped her third match of the season. The Belarusian trailed 3-4 in the final set when she called for medical attention on her lower back and hip while Cîrstea prepared to serve. Online reactions quickly labeled the stoppage as gamesmanship, with some fans calling her a cheater and comparing the moment to similar criticism faced by Novak Djokovic.
