Sabalenka cites lower-back and hip issue after Rome exit, plans “days off” before Roland-Garros
Aryna Sabalenka said she was struggling with a lower-back and hip issue during her 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 third-round loss to Sorana Cirstea in Rome on Saturday. The world No. 1 skipped the press conference and instead spoke with the WTA, which distributed her quotes to reporters. “I’d say that probably it’s like my lower back, … Continued
Aryna Sabalenka, Rome 2026 | © Inside / PsNewz
Aryna Sabalenka said she was struggling with a lower-back and hip issue during her 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 third-round loss to Sorana Cirstea in Rome on Saturday. The world No. 1 skipped the press conference and instead spoke with the WTA, which distributed her quotes to reporters.
“I’d say that probably it’s like my lower back, connected to the hip, which kind of like is limiting me from the full rotation,” Sabalenka said. “I guess we’re just going to have some days off. We’re going to spend it on recovery. That’s the plan, I believe, for now.”
She had received in-match treatment from the physios and was visibly hampered in the second and third sets after taking the first 6-2.
“I feel like I didn’t play well from the beginning till the end,” she said. “I started really well, but then I kind of dropped the level. I felt like my body was limiting me from performing on the highest level. She stepped in and played incredible tennis.”
She also paid tribute to Cirstea, who is in her final season on tour at 36. “She’s a fighter. It’s kind of sad to see her leaving. I just wish her the best season to finish her career.” The Roland-Garros main draw begins in fifteen days.
