The Rome Masters lost its women’s top seed on Saturday as an under-done Aryna Sabalenka was knocked out by Sorana Cirstea in a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 comeback by a player into her final season.

The loss was the second straight early exit for world No. 1 Sabalenka, who was upset in the Madrid quarter-finals 11 days ago.

The 36-year-old Cirstea is due to hang up her racquet at the end of the season.

Sabalenka was treated stretched out on court tby the trainer at 3-4 in the third set for an apparent problem with her right hip and lower back.

The four-time Grand Slam champion exchanged breaks with Cirstea early in the final set  before the Romanian challenger broke again on a fourth match point for 3-2.

Sabalenka levelled with a break for 5-all only to drop serve again before her opponent served out the upset on her first match point.

“I’m very, very happy with the win,” Cirstea said. “It’s really nice to have this result.

“I played really well, it’s amazing to play here.”

Sabalenka beat Cirstea last January on her way to the Brisbane title.

Sabalenka said she will devote her time before the May 24 start of Roland Garros to recovery.

“I’d say that probably it’s like my lower back, connected to the hip, which kind of like limiting me from the full rotation,: se said of the injury.

“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.”

The seed was less than impressed with her performance against Cirstea.

“I didn’t play well from the beginning till the end. 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. 

“That was a tough one. But I guess we never lose; we only learn, so it’s okay.”

Nick Kyrgios is being touted for a return to tennis after playing just one singles match all season, with the controversial Australian due in the lineups for Stuttgart and Halle in June.

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist who turns 31 in a week, has been added to the entry lists for the pair of run-up events prior to the grass-court major which starts on June 29.

Kyrgios, who has missed months on end due to injury and motivational worries, has played just one Grand Slam match since 2022, losing in the Australian Open first round in 2025.

His lone outing this season was an ATP defeat in Brisbane on January 6.

Nevertheless, the acquired taste is feted as a crowd-puller and will have German organisers on alert as to his eventual availability.

“Nick Kyrgios has been one of the most ‌dazzling ⁠personalities in world tennis for years,” Halle tournament organisers said in a statement.

“The Australian is known for his exceptional playing style, characterised by one of the best serves on the tour, ⁠spectacular winners, and great creativity.

“At the same time, his emotional personality and charisma attract considerable attention far beyond the sport.”

Stuttgart start the day after the Roland Garros final while Halle follows a week later in northern Germany from June 13-21.

Daniil Medvedev handed Carlos Alcaraz his first loss of the season to book a second straight final at the Indian Wells Masters.

The winner of the Dubai event a fortnight ago in a walkover, played it out to reach the Californian title match where he will face Jannik Sinner after defeating Alcaraz 6-3, 7-6 (3).

Sinner, who will play his first final at the desert venue, easily accounted for Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4.

World No. 1 Alcaraz was unable to extend his 16-match win streak as Medvedev took revenge for his finals loss here two years ago against the Spaniard.

“It’s an amazing feeling to beat someone like Carlos, No. 1 in the world. In a way, when you play him,” Medvedev said.

“It’s just a great feeling to play them (top players). and to beat them, of
course, is even better.

“So super happy with my level today and looking forward to tomorrow, of course.”

He added: “Playing someone like Carlos, you play many times, you lose many times. He’s an amazing player with amazing shots, defence, attack, return, everything. So, you need to be at your best.”

Medvedev came back from a break down in the second set and saved four of five break points. close out the straight-sets victory in one hour and 37 minutes and claim revenge against the Spaniard, who had beaten him in the Indian Wells final in 2023 and 2024.

“I was hanging in, in the second set, as I could,” Medvedev said. “But [I am] playing great tennis, super happy to beat someone as strong as him.”

Alcaraz dominated on winner, striking 24 to the 15 of Medvedev but also committed 30 unforced errors in defeat.

The 30-year-old stands 7-8 against Sinner going into the Sunday final.

Medvedev will be playing his third final of 2026 after winning Brisbane and Dubai, where he advanced as Tallon Griekspoor withdrew injured before that final.

Neither Medvedev not Sinner have dropped a set over the last 10 days at Indian Wells

“If I manage to maintain the level I had throughout the tournament and maybe even raise it, I will have my chances,” Medvedev added..

Sinner finally got over the semi-final hump here after losing twice at this stage as he dominated Zverev  

“”The first time here in the final, it means a lot to me. It’s the third time that I’ve played the semis here, so I’m very happy about that,” world NO. 2 Sinner said.

“Of course, the next one will be a very tough test, but I’m extremely happy. We have improved this week, this tournament, and that for me was the most important part.

“It was a great performance from my side. Sascha didn’t play very well today. I  broke him a couple of times in the first set, which gave me confidence to continue, and I served very well at important moments. I’m very happy.”

Main photo:- Danill Medvedev celebrates – ATPTour.com