Marina Stakusic secured a crucial victory at Cluj, defeating Sorana Cîrstea in three sets, 6-1, 2-6, 6-4. Coming from the qualifications, Stakusic staged a comeback from 1-3 in the deciding set while overcoming discomfort in her right shoulder.
At just 20 years old, Stakusic is part of the new generation of rising tennis stars making their mark on bigger stages. The Canadian already claimed a WTA title last summer in Mexico. At Cluj, she has now strung together three solid wins—first against Tamara Korpatsch, the 2023 champion, and now against Sorana Cîrstea.
Currently ranked No. 64 in the WTA rankings, Sorana returned to the circuit in January, playing only her fifth match after a six-month hiatus due to surgery on her left foot.
For one set, the young Canadian played flawlessly, striking with impressive precision: she served smartly, dictated play with her forehand, and dominated point after point.
Down a set, Sorana Cîrstea found her rhythm just in time. She turned the match around by playing the aggressive and spectacular tennis that she’s known and loved for.
This momentum carried into the decisive set, where the Romanian player surged ahead 3-1. She even had a break point for 4-1, but from that moment, Stakusic regained control. She minimized errors, hit with increasing depth, and ultimately turned the match in her favor, securing the decisive break just as Sorana was serving to extend the match.
For a spot in the quarterfinals, Stakusic will face the winner of the match between Laura Siegemund and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
