SORANA CIRSTEA SHOCKS ARYNA SABALENKA IN ROME THIRD-ROUND UPSET
Hope
Sorana Cirstea produced one of the standout results of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Saturday, coming from a set down to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in a dramatic third-round encounter in Rome.
The 36-year-old Romanian, who is in the final season of her professional career, delivered a composed and determined performance to overturn a strong start from Sabalenka and secure one of the biggest wins of her long career.
Sabalenka appeared in control early on after taking the opening set comfortably and moving 2-0 ahead in the second. However, Cirstea gradually found her rhythm, raising her level to dominate the middle phase of the match and force a deciding set.
In the final set, the Romanian held her nerve in key moments, breaking at crucial stages to seal victory and send the top seed out of the tournament earlier than expected.
For Sabalenka, the defeat marked her earliest exit from a tournament since February 2025, ending a consistent run of 17 consecutive events where she had reached at least the quarter-finals.
The Belarusian had enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 season on hard courts, reaching four straight finals and winning titles in Brisbane, Indian Wells and Miami, as well as finishing runner-up at the Australian Open. However, her clay-court form has been less dominant, with earlier struggles continuing in Rome.
During the deciding set, Sabalenka required a medical timeout for lower back and hip discomfort, later admitting the issue affected her movement and rotation throughout the match.
Cirstea, who has announced that this will be her final season on tour, joked after the match about the possibility of extending her career if success continues, highlighting the emotional significance of the win.
The Romanian now advances to the round of 16, where she will face 13th seed Linda Noskova, who earlier defeated Oleksandra Oliynykova in straight sets.
The result adds another twist to the women’s draw in Rome, as one of the tournament favourites exits earlier than expected, opening up the competition heading into the business end of the event.
