How was the 2023 season for Ana Bogdan?
Ana Bogdan’s season isn’t much different from the previous year. She maintained her position in the Top 50 for a good part of the season, secured significant victories, and added two more titles in Iași and Palermo (both in WTA 125K tournaments). In the major tournaments, her most notable achievement of the year is reaching the third round at Wimbledon, marking her best result in Grand Slam events.
Playing Style
Ana plays a well-rounded and balanced style of tennis with many nuances of a counterpuncher. She excels in baseline rallies, doesn’t always go on the offensive but responds to the pace without hesitation. She can play with great precision but is also capable of taking risks and playing aggressively when needed. Her signature shot is her backhand, both down the line and especially the crosscourt backhand.
In recent years, she has added more consistency to her compact game, both in terms of offense – attacking more frequently and aggressively – and on the defensive end, with her defense becoming much more stable. This is evident in her results as she wins matches that need to be won without major concerns, progresses to the later stages of tournaments, and maintains a steady rhythm and continuity.
Bigger Picture
Last year, Ana arrived in Cluj as the most in-form player on the main draw, and this status somehow weighed heavily on her. This year is slightly different: Ana comes to Cluj undefeated, having won the Palermo tournament a few weeks ago, and now the pressure isn’t entirely on her. This could work to her advantage because when Ana plays freely and without stress, her tennis can challenge anyone.
Ana’s primary goal, this year as well, is to win her first WTA tournament. She could use all the confidence she has gathered in recent weeks to check this box as well. She’s familiar with the Cluj tournament, enjoys playing at home in front of her own supporters, and often raises her level in such an environment. Ana is certainly capable of replicating her recent performances in this tournament.
