Sabalenka was twice a set and a break up on veteran Cirstea, who’s retiring on the finish of the season.
She additionally broke the 36-year-old when Cirstea served for the match at 5-4 within the third set – solely to instantly hand the benefit again within the subsequent sport.
Sabalenka’s serve – essentially the most improved a part of her sport and the important thing to her rise to the highest of the rankings – was damaged six instances all through the match.
She made 72% of her first serves however gained simply 56% of factors behind it and will solely take 11 of 26 factors behind her second serve.
Sabalenka was left slapping at a ball in irritation after dropping 5 video games in a row to concede the second set and go a direct break down within the decider.
She responded within the subsequent sport, however her service video games at all times felt shaky, and a large forehand handed Cirstea the break lead at 3-2.
Sabalenka known as for the coach and had her again stretched out at 4-3 down. She then seemed to be mounting a comeback after stopping Cirstea serving out the match on the first time of asking.
Nonetheless, Cirstea returned brilliantly to revive her lead and transformed her first match level due to a protracted Sabalenka return.
Earlier, defending champion and residential favorite Jasmine Paolini was crushed 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 by Belgium’s Elise Mertens.
