Sorana Cirstea defeated Emma Raducanu on Saturday to win her fourth career title at the Transylvania Open.
The 35-year-old, who is set to retire at the end of this year, dominated much of the contest against Raducanu, eventually defeating the British number one 6-0, 6-2.
Who should be Emma Raducanu’s next coach?
After the match, Raducanu revealed that she had been suffering with illness throughout the week in Cluj. However, even if Raducanu was fully healthy, it seems unlikely that she would have defeated Cirstea – who was in blistering form.
Following her title win in Cluj, the Romanian star reflected on her victory in a post on social media.
Sorana Cirstea’s message after winning the Transylvania Open
In an Instagram post, Cirstea said: “Best week of my life.
“There are no words that can express my gratitude and appreciation for all the love and support that has been shown to me these past few days.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you are amazing!”
It was a truly spectacular week in Transylvania for the 35-year-old Romanian star. Cirstea produced her best tennis in front of a raucous home crowd and did not drop a set throughout the week.
The new world number 31 defeated Kamilla Rachimova, Tamara Zidansek, Anastasia Potapova, Daria Snigur and Emma Raducanu.
Following her victory in Cluj, Cirstea has chosen to withdraw from the Qatar Open. Janice Tjen, who was due to play Cirstea in the first round, will now play lucky loser Beatriz Haddad Maia.
As for Raducanu, she will face Camila Osorio in Qatar Open first round. Osorio, the world number 80, recently defeated Alexandra Eala on her way to the Philippine Women’s Open title.
Emma Raducanu won her first Grand Slam too soon – Prove me wrong!
Sorana Cirstea’s first title
In 2008, the Romanian began her Tashkent Open campaign by defeating Ekaterina Dzehalevich in straight sets.
Comfortable victories against Anna Lapushchenkova and Michelle Larcher de Brito followed, before a commanding triumph over Magdaléna Rybáriková.
In the final, Cirstea defeated Sabine Lisicki, who went on to reach the Wimbledon final in 2013.
| Tournament | Opponent in Final | Score |
| 2008 Tier 5 Tashkent Open, Uzbekistan | Sabine Lisicki | 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 |
| 2021 Istanbul Cup, Turkiye | Elise Mertens | 6-1, 7-6 |
| 2025 Tennis in the Land, United States | Ann Li | 6-2, 6-4 |
| 2026 Transylvania Open | Emma Raducanu | 6-0, 6-2 |
Cirstea had to wait 13 years before her next title, which she won at the 2021 Istanbul Cup in Turkiye.
