Aryna Sabalenka may have a concerning problem which could be particularly troubling at Wimbledon this year.
Sabalenka has had a relatively disappointing clay court season so far, having failed to surpass the quarterfinals of either the Madrid Open or the Italian Open.
The world number one raised a concern after her latest defeat to Sorana Cirstea, with Sabalenka admitting that she had a lower back issue.
There is just over a week for Sabalenka to prepare for the French Open, but former doubles world number one Rennae Stubbs believes she may have greater concerns going into Wimbledon.
Rennae Stubbs raises concern about Aryna Sabalenka back issue for Wimbledon
When speaking about Sabalenka on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, the six-time Grand Slam doubles champion claimed that the Belarusian is no longer her favorite for the French Open.
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Stubbs also raised her concerns about Sabalenka’s back issue, explaining that it could be even more exposed in grass court matches, where you have to get low to adapt to the more unpredictable bounces.
“Sabalenka, she’s not my favorite for the French now,” stated Stubbs. “…[Cirstea] She’s so good, she’s always been a player that hits the ball so well, she moves for her age at 36, she moves so well!
“…So Sabalenka’s not looking great, and also having a bit of a back issue apparently. That is not good going into a major and not having the success she would have wanted to on clay.
“Also going into the grass, if you’ve got a back problem it’s going to be a bit of a pain in the a***, because playing on grass is the worst on your butt and your back.”
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Aryna Sabalenka’s previous results at the French Open and Wimbledon
The French Open and Wimbledon are the two Grand Slam tournaments Sabalenka is yet to win, and she will be hoping to get her hands on them for the first time this year.
Sabalenka reached the French Open final for the first time last year, but was beaten by Coco Gauff in the championship match after winning the first set.
Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam where Sabalenka is yet to reach the final, having suffered three previous semifinal losses.
| Year | Sabalenka’s French Open result | Sabalenka’s Wimbledon result |
| 2017 | First qualifying round | Second Round |
| 2018 | First Round | First Round |
| 2019 | Second Round | First Round |
| 2020 | Third Round | No tournament held |
| 2021 | Third Round | Semifinal |
| 2022 | Third Round | Belarusian players banned |
| 2023 | Semifinal | Semifinal |
| 2024 | Quarterfinal | Withdrew due to shoulder injury |
| 2025 | Final | Semifinal |
Despite a disappointing clay court season so far, Sabalenka will be the top seed once again at the French Open this year.
The main draw of the French Open gets underway on Sunday, May 24.
