Sabalenka's French Open Hopes Clouded by Injury After Rome Exit

World number one Aryna Sabalenka's preparation for the French Open is in doubt after a third-round loss to Sorana Cirstea at the Italian Open. The defeat was compounded by an apparent back injury that required medical attention late in the match.

Sabalenka lost 2-6 6-3 7-5, her second loss in three matches following a quarterfinal exit in Madrid. The Belarusian cited a lack of mobility due to a lower back and hip issue that limited her rotation.

"I feel like my body was limiting me from performing at the highest level," Sabalenka said. She plans to focus on recovery ahead of the French Open, which begins May 24.

Last year's runner-up in Paris, Sabalenka had a dominant hardcourt season, winning titles in Brisbane, Indian Wells, and Miami before reaching the Australian Open final.