Sorana Cirstea, ranked number 26, pulled off a shock victory over top seed and world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the third round of the Italian Open on Saturday. Cirstea defeated Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 to secure a win that marks the first time the 36-year-old Romanian, who will retire later this year, has beaten a world number one.
Sabalenka began the match strongly but struggled with lower back pain as the game progressed. She took a medical timeout while Cirstea led 4-3 in the third set. Despite the injury, Sabalenka fought back from 5-4 to tie the set at 5-5.
Cirstea eventually broke again to serve for the match. Sabalenka, struggling with her backhand returns, hit the net and sent two shots over the baseline, allowing Cirstea to clinch the victory. This match represents Sabalenka's second defeat in three matches.
In other results, defending champion and home favorite Jasmine Paolini lost to Elise Mertens. As a result of the loss, Paolini will drop out of the world's top 10.