Sorana Cirstea shocked top seed Aryna Sabalenka, beating her 2-6 6-3 7-5 in their third-round clash at the Italian Open on Saturday.
The 36-year-old Romanian, who will retire later this year, beat a world number one for the first time.
"I’m very happy with the win. I thought I played really well today. I’m working really really hard. It’s nice to have this result as payoff," Cirstea said.
Four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka seemed to be struggling with an injury as the match progressed, and took a medical timeout when Cirstea was leading the third set 4-3.
Cirstea won the next game but Sabalenka fought back to make it 5-5. But Cirstea broke again to serve for the match.
Sabalenka, struggling with her backhand returns, hit the net and sent two shots over the baseline as Cirstea clinched victory.
It was Cirstea's second victory over Sabalenka in four meetings, having also prevailed in Miami in 2023, the first time they played each other.
"Maybe if I win the tournament, I promise I will think about (not retiring)," joked Cirstea, who owns four singles WTA titles.
Alcaraz reaches first Paris Masters final, will face Shelton
New Zealand maintain unbeaten record against Scotland with big win
Formula One extends Sao Paulo contract to 2035
South Africa thump Italy to stay perfect in Nations Championship
Okafor secures Leeds win at home to Tottenham after red-card controversy
