In what is her final appearance at the Transylvania Open as a professional player, Sorana Cîrstea continues to perform at a very high level. She eliminated Anastasia Potapova, the 2025 champion, qualified for the Transylvania Open semifinals, and delivered a memorable show for the Cluj crowd.
“I’m happy that I managed to play another good match, especially against a valuable opponent who has won here in Cluj. I’m pleased with how I stuck to the game plan, and I’m glad to stay in Cluj for at least one more match,” Sorana said at the post-match press conference.
“I had a lot of break points in the second set — at 3–0 and on serve it would have been easier. But she’s clever in her game; you have to beat her, she won’t beat herself. I could have been more aggressive, but she also played the break points very well (she saved 19 of Sorana’s 23 break points). I’m happy with how I served in the second set.”
Asked about her ranking and the fact that she will become the highest-ranked Romanian player in the WTA rankings starting Monday, Sorana replied:
“I don’t look too much at the rankings — that’s how I’ve been my whole career. I’m happy with the level of my game and that I can be here. It doesn’t matter to me whether I’m the top Romanian or not. Jaq (Cristian) and Gabi (Ruse) are playing well, and I’m glad that after me there are still strong players coming through — (Anca) Todoni as well.”
Finally, Sorana once again spoke about the memories she will take with her from Cluj:
“The emotions, the adrenaline, the feelings I experience on court — I won’t have them in everyday life anymore. I’m proud of how I fought. I wanted to win this match also for the people who came to support me. I like drawing energy from them. My mother and brother are here, many friends as well, and I saw that many public figures came too. But my emotions are mostly in the first few games — after that, I only see the court and the ball.”
Sorana will play for a place in the final against the winner of the match between Daria Snigur and Yue Yuan.
