Emma Raducanu arrived in Cluj for her second appearance at the Transylvania Open, at a very different point in her career compared to her first visit to Romania in 2021. Back then, she reached the quarterfinals in Cluj shortly after her incredible triumph at the 2021 U.S. Open — a title that wrote her into tennis history as the first player ever to win a Grand Slam coming through qualifying.
After several years marked by injuries, Emma (23) is now working to rediscover her level and style of play. More than results, she is searching for consistency, stability, and the feeling of being fully herself when she steps onto the court.
“I’m very happy to be here in Cluj, very happy to be back in Romania! It’s been a few years since I last played at the Transylvania Open and since I last visited my family. I feel very good here and very welcome. Everyone has been incredibly warm.”
What connects you most to Romania today, considering how much time you spend on tour?
“It’s actually very hard during the year to travel outside tournaments. Usually, we get about four days at home, and my parents are in the UK, so it’s very easy for me to return there. But I feel very connected to Romania. When I’m on tour, I speak a lot with Gabi Ruse — she’s a very good friend — and I’m really grateful to have that kind of relationship on the circuit. And when I’m home, my dad calls my grandmother every evening, so I get to speak with her too.”
Is your grandmother happy that you’re here in Romania?
“Yes, she’s very happy. Unfortunately, she can’t make it to Cluj, but I hope to visit her in Bucharest after the tournament.”
How do you stay true to your own journey? Is it sometimes difficult to find joy in what you do?
“Honestly, I enjoy the process when I train properly. I’m surrounded by people I believe in, who help guide me in the direction I want to go. Having a plan gives me a lot of joy. I think that’s the only thing I can truly control. I can’t control results, but I can control the process and what I do every day. When I feel I’m doing the right things in that sense, I’m at peace with myself and satisfied that I’m moving in the right direction. Not every day is great, but as long as things are heading that way overall, I’m happy.”
What are your goals here? How do you see the draw and the tournament?
“I have a tough first round against Greet Minnen. She’s a great player and I think indoor hard courts suit her very well — she’s dangerous. I know I need to be at my very best. My biggest goal is to play in a way and style that feels right to me, regardless of whether my game clicks from the start or not. Of course I want it to click, but as long as I’m taking steps in the direction I want, I’ll be satisfied.”
Where do you find inspiration beyond sport and tennis? What do you like to do off court?
“I love reading! This year I set myself a goal to read at least two books per month, and I’m doing it. The book I’m reading now is one I just can’t put down — whenever I have the chance, I read. I can’t wait to finish practice so I can go back to it. It’s a thriller, based on a true story, and it teaches me a lot about the historical context of certain countries. I feel like I’m learning new things while also disconnecting from the world. I also made it a goal this year to explore more of the cities I visit, because that helps me detach a bit from the tennis world. People pay to visit these wonderful places, so it would be a shame not to take advantage. I’d also say I want to expose myself more to the culture and art galleries of the places I travel to.”
And in Cluj? Did you get to see anything?
“I only arrived Friday evening and have had practice most of the time, but I did manage to go to the Old Town for a coffee. The coffee in Cluj is very good. I went to a café that also had an art gallery, so I ticked both boxes.” (laughs)
What have you set as a goal for 2026?
“My plan this year is to play in a style that I identify with, that I enjoy and that feels right to me. I want to feel proud when I step onto the court. That’s my main goal. I think last year I managed to turn my season around and finish very strong, in a seeded position. This year, the challenge will be to maintain that level. For me, the most important thing right now is to train properly and bring that onto the court in matches — to be able to play at the same level.”
Photo: Ramona Toderaș
