Sabalenka suffers second defeat in three matches Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, suffered her second defeat in three matches at the Italian Open as she fell to Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in the third round. The Belarusian, who had previously lost to Hailey Baptiste at the Madrid Open on 28 April, faced another setback just 11 days later, marking her earliest loss of the year. The defeat ended her streak of reaching the quarter-finals or better for 17 consecutive tournaments. Sabalenka’s loss to Cirstea, ranked 27th in the world, came after a three-set match that saw the 28-year-old struggle with her physical form. She missed six match points during the encounter and was forced to take a medical time-out in the third set for treatment on her lower back. Despite her efforts to mount a comeback, Cirstea’s resilience proved decisive. The Romanian, who is retiring at the end of the season, capitalized on key moments, including a crucial break after Sabalenka’s serve at 5-4 in the third set. Sabalenka’s performance was marred by inconsistencies, particularly in her serve, which had been a key factor in her rise to the top of the rankings. She broke her serve six times during the match, winning only 56% of points after her first serve despite making 72% of her first serves. Her second serve fared even worse, with her opponents taking 11 of 26 points behind it. Sabalenka admitted her body was limiting her ability to perform at her best, stating, “I feel like I didn’t play well from the beginning till the end. My body was limiting me from performing on the highest level.” The loss left Sabalenka with a 4-2 record on clay heading into the French Open, a tournament she aims to dominate.#aryna_sabalenka #djokovic #french_open #sorana_cirstea #italian_open
Hijikata upsets Bublik for first Top 10 win in Indian Wells 2026 In a thrilling match at the Indian Wells 2026 tournament, Japanese player Hijikata secured a significant victory by defeating top-10 ranked player Bublik. This win marks Hijikata's first triumph over a player ranked within the Top 10, highlighting his rising prominence in the ATP circuit. The match, which took place in the early rounds of the tournament, showcased Hijikata's resilience and tactical precision as he overcame a formidable opponent. The upset has drawn attention as Bublik, known for his strong performances in previous tournaments, faced a challenging encounter. Hijikata's ability to maintain composure under pressure and capitalize on key moments proved decisive. The victory not only boosts Hijikata's confidence but also positions him as a serious contender in the later stages of the event. Other notable matches in the Indian Wells 2026 tournament have also generated excitement. Defending champion Draper advanced to a potential showdown against Djokovic, setting up a highly anticipated clash. Meanwhile, former champion Norrie upset De Minaur, adding to the tournament's unpredictability. Djokovic, despite facing tough competition, managed to progress to the fourth round, demonstrating his enduring skill and determination. The tournament has seen a mix of upsets and standout performances, with players like Sinner and Zverev advancing smoothly to the fourth round. Tien's upset victory over Shelton further underscored the competitive nature of the event. These results highlight the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the Indian Wells 2026 tournament, where top players and rising talents alike are vying for success. As the tournament progresses, the focus remains on key matches that could shape the final standings.#indian_wells_2026 #hijikata #bublik #djokovic #draper
