sports
Aryna Sabalenka shocked by Sorana Cirstea’s comeback win at Italian Open
World No 1 beaten 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in third round in Rome
TL;DR
- Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, lost to Sorana Cirstea 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the third round of the Italian Open.
- This is Sabalenka's earliest defeat in over a year and her second successive surprise loss, following a loss at the Madrid Open.
- Sabalenka is dealing with a lower back injury and has not reached a semi-final in any clay-court tournament this year.
- Sorana Cirstea, who plans to retire at the end of the season, achieved her first-ever win against a No. 1 player.
- Jannik Sinner won his second-round match, advancing comfortably as he aims for a record-extending sixth consecutive Masters 1000 title.
- Cameron Norrie was unexpectedly defeated by Thiago Agustín Tirante and is focusing on regaining form for the French Open.
- Norrie expressed surprise at his level of play but remains optimistic about his physical and mental state.