Sabalenka held a lead of a set and a break on two occasions against the experienced Cirstea, who plans to conclude her career at the close of the current season.
Furthermore, she managed to break the serve of the 36-year-old Cirstea when Cirstea was serving for the match with a 5-4 lead in the final set, but promptly relinquished that crucial lead in the subsequent game.
Sabalenka’s service game, widely recognized as the most refined aspect of her play and instrumental in her ascent to the peak of the rankings, was compromised six times during the contest.
She landed 72% of her initial serves, yet she secured merely 56% of the points following them and managed to win only 11 out of 26 points when relying on her second serve.
Sabalenka demonstrated frustration by swatting at a tennis ball after dropping five consecutive games, which resulted in her losing the second set and immediately falling behind by a break in the deciding set.
She retaliated in the subsequent game, however, her service performances consistently appeared vulnerable, and an errant forehand granted Cirstea the break advantage, making the score 3-2.
Sabalenka requested medical assistance and received a back stretch while trailing 4-3. Subsequently, she appeared to be initiating a recovery, preventing Cirstea from closing out the match on her initial attempt.
Nevertheless, Cirstea executed a superb return to reclaim her advantage and capitalized on her first opportunity to win the match, courtesy of an overhit return from Sabalenka.
Previously in the tournament, the reigning champion and local competitor, Jasmine Paolini, suffered a defeat with scores of 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 at the hands of Elise Mertens from Belgium.
