Miriam Bulgaru advances to the second round at the Transylvania Open after a significant victory against Turkish player Ipek Oz. It was 7-5, 6-3 for Miriam Bulgaru, earning her first-ever victory in the main draw of a WTA 250 tournament.
Although Miriam had some notable results in WTA 125K tournaments this season (reaching the semifinals in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and the second round in Makarska, coming from the qualifiers), today’s victory could prove to be one of the most important in her career. She advances to the round of 16 in a WTA 250 tournament for the first time, right in front of her own fans at home, with a strong and spectacular performance.
The match was evenly contested for the most part, with both players performing better on the return than on their serves. Miriam was the first to break, and although she didn’t always manage to consolidate it, she made sure to stay ahead and maintain her lead with strong returns. At 4-2, Miriam lost the break, but she promptly responded a game later with another break, taking a 5-3 lead and having the opportunity to serve for the set.
Given the dynamics of this match, Miriam couldn’t close the set at 5-3. Oz did an excellent job with her return, regained the break, and got back into the set.
From 5-4 onwards, the match intensified in terms of both intensity and quality. Miriam had a set point, but Oz canceled it with an ace. Miriam cleaned up her game, made an almost perfect game at 5-5, and put herself in a favorable position again, with Oz serving to stay in the set.
This time, Miriam capitalized on the opportunity. She took advantage of Oz’s insecurity in the 11th game, sought to force errors and attack more decisively, and it worked. After over an hour of play, Miriam closed the first set.
The second set had a completely different trajectory. Miriam Bulgaru started more confidently, loaded with belief and energy after winning the first set, and nearly everything she attempted worked. From drop shots, leaping backhand shots, and powerful forehand strikes (a specialty of hers), to direct winning returns and passing shots.
On the other hand, Ipek Oz, who came through the qualifiers, didn’t have the resources to withstand Miriam’s onslaught, and she even received medical treatment at a score of 0-3 in the second set.
Miriam’s next opponent will be the tournament’s fourth favorite, Rebeka Masarova, who defeated Noma Noha Akugue 6-4, 6-0 in two sets today.
Read more about Miriam’s intentions further here.
