Italian Open

Aryna Sabalenka, the world's top-ranked women's tennis player, has withdrawn from the Italian Open due to a lower back injury. This development occurred after her third-round match against Sorana Cirstea, which she lost 2-6, 6-3, 7-5. The injury raises concerns about her participation in the upcoming Roland Garros tournament. Sabalenka's withdrawal from the WTA Rome Open, held on May 9, 2026, is significant as she is a prominent figure in women's tennis. Separately, Sabalenka has also been in the news regarding potential boycotts of the French Open over prize money disparities, a stance supported by other top players like Coco Gauff. Her current injury and her advocacy for increased prize money make her a key figure in recent tennis news.