Sabalenka sensation as top seed toppled

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.”