Sorana Cirstea continued her impressive run at the Italian Open 2026 by storming into the semi-finals and etching her name into the record books. 36-year-old Romanian has become the second-oldest player to reach the last four of a WTA 1000/Tier 1 clay-court event since 1990, behind only tennis legend Martina Navratilova.
Sorana Cirstea defeated French Open 2017 champion
The 26th seed delivered a dominant performance against Jeļena Ostapenko as she defeated the 2017 French Open champion 6-1, 7-6 (7-0) in just over 90 minutes. The victory secured Cirstea a maiden semi-final appearance in Rome. She surpassed her previous best result of reaching the fourth round in 2024.
“I always said there’s no expiration date for ambition and dreams,” she told the crowd at Foro Italico after her win. “I think everyone can see that I absolutely love this sport. I have so much passion for it.”
“For me to play here and be in the semi-finals in Rome is absolutely amazing. I’m so grateful of the sport. I’m just really, really enjoying my week in Rome so far.”
Cirstea has enjoyed an impressive 2026 campaign
Cirstea has been in red-hot form in the Italian Open as she stunned world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka with three sets in the third round and followed it up with a straight-set win over 16th seed Linda Noskova in the round of 16.
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Cirstea has enjoyed an impressive 2026 campaign so far, compiling a strong 25-7 record overall, including 10 wins from 12 matches on clay courts. The Romanian has consistently produced deep runs this season, reaching the quarter-finals in Linz, advancing to the semi-finals in Rouen before withdrawing ahead of her last-four match, and making the round of 32 in Madrid.
Earlier this year, Cîrstea also lifted the title at the Transylvania Open on home soil, claiming the fourth singles trophy of her career. Her achievements this season have become even more special given that she revealed in December 2025 that the 2026 campaign would be the final season of her professional career on the WTA Tour.
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