Emma Raducanu suffers straight-set defeat to Sorana Cirstea in Transylvania Open final after requiring medical attention on court in Cluj-Napoca

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Emma Raducanu’s bid for her first title since 2021 came to an abrupt end at the Transylvania Open as she was overpowered by Sorana Cirstea in Cluj-Napoca.

The 23-year-old British No. 1 struggled through a health-interrupted final, losing 6-0, 6-2 in what proved to be a testing day on the hard court.

Raducanu, who reached her first final since her astonishing 2021 US Open victory, showed flashes of her trademark resilience throughout the tournament.

But the final against the 35-year-old Romanian, competing in her farewell season, highlighted the challenges Raducanu has faced with form and fitness this year.

A Rocky Start to the Season

The season has been far from smooth for Raducanu.

After a first-round exit at the Australian Open in January against world No. 55 Anastasia Potapova, Raducanu made a high-profile change, parting ways with coach Francisco Roig after just six months.

Her quest for stability continues as she searches for her tenth coach.

Despite these challenges, her run in Cluj-Napoca suggested she is gradually regaining confidence.

Raducanu staged a remarkable comeback from 5-0 down against Kaja Juvan in the second round and overturned a set deficit to defeat Oleksandra Oliynykova in the semifinals.

These moments offered glimpses of the grit that propelled her to the US Open title.

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Final Against Cirstea Proves Too Much

The final, however, proved a step too far.

Cirstea, a veteran of the tour and Romanian tennis stalwart, dominated proceedings from the start.

Raducanu managed just 31 points from 89, failed to record an ace, and committed six double faults, showing the strain both physically and mentally.

The first set was particularly punishing.

Raducanu could only muster 11 points in a 6-0 defeat, a stark reflection of the challenge posed by her opponent.

She attempted a comeback in the second set, breaking back to level at 2-2, but required medical attention midway through the set, struggling with her breathing and needing her blood pressure checked by doctors courtside.

Fighting Spirit on Display

Even in defeat, Raducanu’s determination shone through.

She battled to regain parity in the second set and showed glimpses of the tenacity that once defined her breakthrough at the US Open.

Yet, the physical toll eventually proved decisive as she was unable to retrieve shots she would have handled on a fitter day, ultimately conceding the WTA 250 final.

After the match, Raducanu expressed gratitude to the tournament staff, ball kids, umpires, sponsors, and fans, noting the warm reception in Cluj-Napoca.

“It’s been like four or five years since my last final. It means a lot. I’m really happy it’s here in Cluj,” she said, reflecting on the significance of reaching another final despite a difficult season.

What’s Next for Raducanu?

Raducanu will hope to recover fully ahead of the WTA 1000 Qatar Open in Doha, where she is scheduled to face Colombia’s Camila Osorio in the first round.

The British star will aim to regain her rhythm and fitness as she continues her relentless schedule, seeking to return to the form that once made her the youngest Grand Slam champion in decades.

Summary

Emma Raducanu’s Transylvania Open campaign ended with a straight-sets defeat to Sorana Cirstea in a final interrupted by health issues.

Despite a challenging season, Raducanu demonstrated resilience in earlier rounds, mounting comebacks against Kaja Juvan and Oleksandra Oliynykova.

Her loss in Cluj-Napoca highlights ongoing fitness struggles, but she remains focused on the WTA 1000 Qatar Open as she looks to rebuild momentum on the tour.