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May 10, 2026
Analyzed by Glm 4.7 Flash

World No. 1 Sabalenka's French Open Hopes Dented by Lower Back Injury

AI Summary
World number one Aryna Sabalenka suffered a third-round exit at the Italian Open due to a lower back and hip injury, casting a shadow over her preparation for the upcoming French Open. The defeat follows a disappointing clay-court swing and raises questions about her physical readiness for the Grand Slam.

The Injury That Derailed the World No. 1

World number one Aryna Sabalenka’s bid to defend her Italian Open title was halted in the third round by a physical setback. The Belarusian star lost 6-2, 3-6, 5-7 to Romania's Sorana Cirstea, a match that ended with Sabalenka requiring medical treatment late on.

Sabalenka admitted that her body was limiting her performance, specifically citing a lower back issue connected to her hip that restricted her rotation. The match was marked by frustration, with Sabalenka muttering to herself and displaying a sloppy performance on centre court.

The Statistical Toll of a Sluggish Performance

  • Back-to-Back Setbacks: Sabalenka has now lost two consecutive matches, following a quarterfinal exit to Hailey Baptiste in Madrid.
  • Clay Court Struggles: Despite a dominant hardcourt season (winning Brisbane, reaching the Australian Open final, and taking Indian Wells and Miami), her form on clay has been inconsistent.
  • Cirstea's Historic Win: The 36-year-old Cirstea secured her first victory over a world number one in her final professional season.

Shifting Dynamics for Roland Garros

The French Open begins in less than two weeks, and Sabalenka's fitness is now the central narrative. As the defending champion, she faces a steep uphill battle if she cannot fully recover from the hip and back strain.

The loss also highlights the volatility of the WTA tour, where even the top seed can be vulnerable to injury and fatigue. With the clay court season peaking, the physical toll is becoming a significant factor in the lead-up to Paris.

Outlook for the Slams: Recovery vs. Rivalry

While Sabalenka focuses on recovery, Jannik Sinner is showcasing his own dominance, extending his winning streak to 24 matches. For the French Open, the key question remains whether Sabalenka can regain her peak physical condition or if her clay court struggles will continue into the Grand Slam stage.