Harry Archie
World number one Aryna Sabalenka was knocked out of the Italian Open on Saturday after losing to Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in the third round.
Cirstea came from behind to beat Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in Rome.
Sabalenka had been one of the favourites to win the tournament but struggled after taking the first set comfortably.
She made several mistakes during the match, especially on her serve, allowing Cirstea to fight back.
The Belarusian also received medical treatment for a problem with her left hip during the deciding set.
Despite Sabalenka recovering to level the final set at 5-5, Cirstea stayed calm and won the next two games to secure one of the biggest victories of her career.
The Romanian will now face Linda Noskova in the next round.
Sabalenka’s exit came a day after Novak Djokovic was also knocked out of the tournament, ahead of the French Open.
