Aryna Sabalenka suffered a really surprising defeat yesterday evening, with Sorana Cirstea taking full advantage of the physically hampered Belarusian.
The victor deserves so much credit for claiming what must go down as one of the greatest wins of her career, although her task was made easier by the clear physical issues that the 28-year-old was suffering.
During the match, Aryna Sabalenka was forced to take a medical time-out, receiving treatment on what seemed like her lower back and hip.
Not only did this impact her chances at the Italian Open, but it has sparked new fears over her fitness at Roland Garros too.
Her latest update hardly assuages these worries.
Aryna Sabalenka offers fitness update after taking medical time-out
Speaking at her press conference, Sabalenka began by praising Cirstea, keen to ensure she did not detract from her moment during what is her last season on tour.
The world number one claimed: “She’s a fighter. It’s kind of like it’s sad to see her leaving because I feel like she’s one of those players that’s fighting no matter what. I felt like she could stay for longer. It’s her choice. We all respect that. I just wish her the best season to finish her career.”
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Then, asked to update the reporters on her injury, Sabalenka added: “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. I guess we just going to have some days off. We’re going to spend it on recovery. That’s the plan I believe for now.”
A rather worrying suggestion from last year’s Roland Garros finalist, ahead of the event where she will be desperate to perform.
Alas, such a win has led Cirstea to potentially consider postponing her retirement.
Sorana Cirstea is enjoying an outstanding final year on tour
It feels like, whenever a player announces that they will be retiring after one final year on tour, they are often inspired to achieve their best results.
Danielle Collins is the outstanding example of this phenomenon, and now Cirstea seems to be following in those footsteps.
Since she told the world that this would be her final season on the WTA Tour, the 36-year-old has won a title in her home country and now beaten the world’s best player at a WTA 1000 event.
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Not to mention some of the incredible battles she has enjoyed with superstars like Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, running these elite players close.
Cirstea is a truly top player, seemingly inspired by the realisation that her time on the professional tour is coming to a close. It’s been great to watch her continue to impress with each new week.
