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Cirstea Upsets Sabalenka in Italian Open, Citing Back Pain.

5/10/2026

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Summary

Sabalenka Upset

Aryna Sabalenka lost to Sorana Cirstea 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the Italian Open third round.
Cirstea, a 36-year-old Romanian in her final season, earned her first win over a world No. 1.
Sabalenka called a medical timeout for lower-back pain while trailing 4-3, saying the injury limited her rotation.
The loss was Sabalenka’s second upset in a row after Hailey Baptiste beat her in Madrid last week.

Summary

Cirstea Upset

French Open field reshaped as Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz confront injury concerns, with Alcaraz missing the tournament because of a wrist injury.
Novak Djokovic lost to 20-year-old Dino Prižmic and said his preparation has never been this problematic.
At 36, Sorana Cirstea became the fifth-oldest player ever to defeat a WTA No 1.
Sorana Cirstea, retiring after the season, thanked Rome fans for emotional support that keeps her motivated.

Summary

Norrie Upset

Cameron Norrie lost to Thiago Agustín Tirante 6-3, 7-5 at the Italian Open, calling his own level upset.
He said Tirante’s first-serve regularly hit 140 mph, peaking at 148 mph, which he could not counter.
Norrie, now No 19 after rising from 91st a year ago, feels ready for the French Open and will play the Geneva Open.
He added the defeat will make him hungry to be braver in upcoming matches.

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Sabalenka Upset

Aryna Sabalenka lost to Sorana Cirstea 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the Italian Open third round.
Cirstea, a 36-year-old Romanian in her final season, earned her first win over a world No. 1.
Sabalenka called a medical timeout for lower-back pain while trailing 4-3, saying the injury limited her rotation.
The loss was Sabalenka’s second upset in a row after Hailey Baptiste beat her in Madrid last week.

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