"I was considering retiring" - Aryna Sabalenka confesses plans in place to pull out of Italian Open final against Iga Swiatek if back injury returns

Aryna Sabalenka recently made it clear that she would pull out of the 2024 Italian Open final in case the back injury that she sustained during the fourth round troubles her again. She is slated to take on Iga Swiatek in the final on Saturday, May 18.

Sabalenka defeated 13th seed Danielle Collins in straight sets on Thursday to book her place in the title clash in Rome. She was broken once during the match but converted four break points herself and hit four aces to secure a 7-5, 6-2 victory over the American.

The Belarusian notably had an injury scare during the fourth round of the WTA 1000 event on Monday as she felt uneasy in her lower back while playing against Elina Svitolina. She needed medical attention after two sets but managed to overcome the Ukrainian.

Sabalenka sat with the media after her semifinal win over Collins on Thursday and revealed she was contemplating withdrawing from the Italian Open due to the injury but recovered in time to continue.

"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.

Aryna Sabalenka added that she would withdraw from the tournament if the injury resurfaced during the final in order to be fit for the 2024 French Open.

"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," the World No. 2 added.

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"I feel like it's not going to happen" - Aryna Sabalenka hopeful of not facing injury troubles for Italian Open final

Aryna Sabalenka

Further during the presser on Thursday at the Italian Open, Aryna Sabalenka talked about staying positive about her recovery for the summit clash with Iga Swiatek.

"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," the 26-year-old said.

Notably, it will be the Belarusian's second meeting with Swiatek this season, as the two have already played the Madrid Open final, which the Pole won 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7) after a tough grind. Swiatek leads Sabalenka 7-3 in the overall head-to-head between the two.

Victory for the Pole will see her win her third title in Rome while the Belarusian will clinch her first if she comes out on top.