Aryna Sabalenka may still not play in the Rome Open final she admits despite setting up a blockbuster final against Iga Swiatek in Italy. The World No.2 has been dealing with a crippling back injury this week and made it clear that if it returns to haunt her she won't play.
Sabalenka saw off Danielle Collins in straight sets on Thursday to seal her place in the title fight in Rome against Swiatek who earlier that day saw off Coco Gauff. It was a 7-5, 6-2 win for the Belarusian. She felt uneasy in particular in her lower back against Elina Svitolina and admits she was lucky to get through that tie.
But after involvement from superb physios, she was ready to go and admits that it saved her tournament. Perhaps given the result last week in Madrid, it could be construed that it would be better for her as Swiatek looks ominous. But it is once again another meeting between the top two in the world. Will Sabalenka level up their recent Head to Head or will Swiatek run riot again. For both, it is only if Sabalenka plays.
"I was considering retiring from the tournament. Lucky me, I had an extra day. I was doing a lot of recovery. I'm still doing lots of exercise, lots of treatments, always taking care of my lower back. It's getting better. So I guess we're on the right way," the World No. 2 said.
"I'm doing everything myself to recover as fast as I can and to be ready for the Paris. Right now I'm feeling great. I'm not in pain during the matches. Of course, if something going to happen in the match, I'm going to pull out because Paris is around the corner," she added.
"Hopefully it's not going to happen. I feel like it's not going to happen. So just stay positive. Yeah, was crazy injury. I thought, 'Okay, I'm done in Rome'. But we did a great treatment, great physios,"
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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