The Americans were convinced by Sorana Cîrstea, after the superb victory with Aryna Sabalenka: “The key moment came then”

The American publication Tennis World dedicated an extensive article to the success of the Romanian, analyzing the tactical change through which Soran managed to turn a match that seemed lost after the first set.

The Americans reacted after Sorana Cîrstea defeated Aryna Sabalenka: “It gradually changed the rhythm of the game”

Journalists across the Ocean highlighted the beginning of the match in which Belarus seemed invincible. At 6-2 and 2-0 for Sabalenka, few were still hoping for a miracle.

However, the Americans noted the moment of tactical brilliance of the Romanian.

“Aryna Sabalenka seemed to be in complete control of the match for more than a set and a half, leading 6-2, 2-0 and dictating the game with the force of her usual shots, but Sorana Cîrstea gradually changed the tempo of the match.

The key moment came in the second set, when Cîrstea stopped trying to answer blow for blow and started extending the exchanges, forcing Sabalenka to move more and make mistakes more often.

From 2-3, Cîrstea won four consecutive games, managing successive breaks to close the set 6-3.

In the decider, Sorana's confidence grew visibly. The break for 4-3 put Sabalenka under real pressure for the first time all match, and the ensuing medical timeout suggested the Belarusian had serious lower back or hip problems.

Even after medical intervention, Sabalenka tried to come back, but her movement and timing were not at their usual level.

Cîrstea kept her composure in the end and completed the spectacular comeback with 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, one of the most important victories of her career and one of the biggest surprises at the Italian Open,” Tennis World noted.

Now, for the Romanian, the match in which she will fight for qualification in the quarter-finals follows. Optimea against the Czech Linda Noskova (21 years old, 13 WTA) is scheduled for Monday, May 11, most likely starting at 12:00, Romanian time.

Maybe if I win this tournament, I'll reconsider not retiring. I want to thank everyone in the stands, they are wonderful spectators, what I feel here in Rome is unique. I love the people, I love this tournament and the passion of the people here for this sport

– Sorana Cîrsteaimmediately after the sensational victory

VIDEO summary of the match that Sorana Cîrstea won with Aryna Sabalenka