Aryna Sabalenka exits Rome

Aryna Sabalenka's preparations for the French Open have been dealt a major blow after she was knocked out of the Italian Open in the third round.

The world number one suffered a surprising straight-sets defeat to Romania's Sorana Cirstea, appearing to struggle with a recurring back injury throughout the match.

Sabalenka now has only two weeks to recover before the start of the year's second Grand Slam in Paris.

Meanwhile, other top seeds like Coco Gauff have progressed in Rome, intensifying the competition for the title.