Aryna Sabalenka's dominant 2026 season hit an unexpected speed bump on Saturday as veteran Sorana Cirstea delivered a stunning three-set upset at the Italian Open. The 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory marked just the third loss of the year for the world No. 1, and it came with a twist: Sabalenka was visibly battling through lower back pain during the two-hour, 22-minute clash at Foro Italico.

Cirstea, who has announced she will retire at the end of this season, played with the poise of a player who had nothing to lose. But the real story heading into Roland-Garros—which kicks off on May 24—is Sabalenka's health. After the match, the Belarusian admitted she had been dealing with discomfort, and two-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier weighed in on what needs to happen next.

"It's all about her body," Courier said during a Tennis Channel segment alongside former world No. 1 Tracy Austin. "If her body is in shape, she'll be fine. With 32 seeds in majors, you get a little runway to find your rhythm in Paris. But if her back isn't right—and she mentioned her hip might be involved too—she's got to get that sorted. Clay is physical; points are longer. If she can get her body right, she's still one of the favourites—if not the favourite."

While fans might be concerned about Sabalenka's fitness for the French Open, Austin offered reassurance. "Honestly, I think she'll be fine," she said. "If it were serious enough to jeopardise Paris, she would have retired against Cirstea. The fact she fought through shows she's managing it."

For Sabalenka, the Italian Open loss is a reminder that even the best players face hurdles—especially on clay, where movement and endurance are tested like nowhere else. But with a few weeks to recover and a proven track record of bouncing back, the world No. 1 remains a heavy favourite to contend for the title in Paris. As Courier put it, it all comes down to one thing: getting healthy.