Aryna Sabalenka revealed she was struggling with a lower back problem during her Italian Open clash against Sorana Cristea. On Saturday, the world No. 1 suffered an unexpected defeat from the Romanian in the third round. Defeat in Rome 2-6, 6-3, 7-5. The defeat was Sabalenka’s second consecutive upset after her previous defeat to American Hailey Baptiste at the Madrid Open.

During the deciding set, Sabalenka took a medical timeout after appearing to be struggling with a left hip problem. The Belarusian later explained that the discomfort stemmed from his lower back and hip area, which limited his movement and full rotation during shots. She said she will now take a few days off to focus on recovery before the French Open later this month.

Sabalenka said in the post-match press conference, “I would say it’s probably my lower back that’s limiting my hip that’s limiting my full rotation. I think we’ll just take a few days off and focus on recovery. That’s the plan for now.”

‘My body was limiting me’

Sabalenka admitted that her level dropped after a strong start and said that physical discomfort prevented her from performing at her best. He also praised Cristea’s offensive performance and described it as a difficult but valuable learning experience.

“Yes, I felt like I didn’t play well from start to finish. I started really well, but then my level dropped. It felt like my body was preventing me from performing at the highest level. She stepped in and played incredible tennis, and didn’t really give me many chances. It was tough, but I think we never lose, we only learn, so it’s OK,” Sabalenka said.

How Sabalenka fell apart against Cristea

Against Sorana Cristea, Sabalenka looked strongly dominant early on, sweeping the first set and going 2–0 up in the second. But her rhythm gradually faded as unforced errors began to pile up, giving Cirstea a chance to gain momentum and confidence.

As the competition progressed, Sabalenka’s frustration became clear. Although she managed to make a brief comeback from 4-5 down in the deciding set, Cristea held her composure in the decisive moments and pulled off a stunning upset.

Sabalenka will enter the French Open under increasing pressure after consecutive crushing defeats in Madrid and Rome. After squandering six match points against Hailey Baptiste in Madrid, the world No. 1 again struggled with errors on clay, raising concerns over her consistency and preparation ahead of Roland Garros, where she is still in search of her first title.

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