Romania’s Sorana Cirstea reaches US Open Quarterfinals

Romania’s tennis star Sorana Cirstea made history on Sunday, September 3rd 2023 by reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open for the first time in her career. The 33-year-old defeated Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 to book her place in the last 8 in Flushing Meadows.

Overview of Sorana Cirstea’s US Open Journey

Cirstea came into the US Open unseeded but has produced some stunning upsets to make her first ever quarterfinal at Flushing Meadows. In the first round, she knocked out 19th seed Madison Keys in three sets. She then beat Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia in straight sets in the second round.

Her biggest win came in the third round when she defeated 2nd seed Anett Kontaveit in three sets, handing the Estonian her earliest Grand Slam exit in two years. This set up a fourth round clash with 12th seed Belinda Bencic. Cirstea was clinical in dispatching the Swiss player in just 75 minutes to continue her giant-killing run at the tournament.

Recapping Sorana Cirstea’s Fourth Round Win Over Belinda Bencic

Cirstea made a confident start against Bencic, racing out to a 3-0 lead in the opening set. She never looked back from there, breaking the Bencic serve two more times to clinch the first set 6-3 in just 36 minutes.

The second set was tighter early on with both players holding serve in the first five games. But Cirstea eventually secured the decisive break in the sixth game to go up 4-2. The Romanian then held serve the rest of the way to complete a comprehensive 6-3, 6-3 victory over the 12th seeded Swiss.

Cirstea’s dominant performance included 24 winners compared to just 12 unforced errors. She won an impressive 74% of her first serve points. The Romanian also saved all five break points she faced against Bencic. It was a complete effort that proves Cirstea is playing the best tennis of her career at age 33.

Analyzing Sorana Cirstea’s Breakthrough Run at the US Open

Cirstea’s sensational run to the quarterfinals is made even more impressive when you consider her recent Grand Slam record. The world #45 had not advanced past the second round at any major tournament since the 2018 Australian Open.

Now in her 17th year as a pro, Cirstea seems to be playing with renewed belief and confidence at the US Open. Her fearless brand of aggressive baseline tennis has overwhelmed higher ranked opponents. The Romanian has also shown remarkable poise in pressure situations this tournament.

Fitness has been another key factor behind Cirstea’s success. She has beaten her first four opponents in straight sets, looking fresh and sharp throughout her matches. Cirstea’s maturity and experience have clearly helped her maintain composure during big moments.

This quarterfinal appearance is a just reward for the Romanian’s hard work and perseverance. Cirstea has long had the talent and skills to succeed but seems to have put all the pieces together at the perfect time in New York.

Looking at Sorana Cirstea’s Previous Grand Slam Achievements

Although she has reached a new profession milestone at the US Open, Cirstea is not any stranger to Grand Slam success. She formerly made the quarterfinals of the 2009 French Open before losing to eventual champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Cirstea’s subsequent first-rate predominant result was a fourth round look at Wimbledon in 2009 where she misplaced to Venus Williams. The Romanian made the third round at Wimbledon again in 2021. She also reached the third round of the Australian Open and French Open earlier in her career.

Prior to this tournament, Cirstea’s most recent third round showing at a Grand Slam was at the 2018 Australian Open. She has maintained a steady ranking inside the top 60 for over a decade. But Cirstea seems to have found an extra gear with her aggressive game exceptionally well suited to the fast courts in New York.

Recognizing Sorana Cirstea’s Accomplishments as a Top Romanian Player

Cirstea’s success at the US Open caps off a career of accomplishments as one of Romania’s top tennis players. She has been competing professionally considering that 2003 and has earned over $7 million in career prize money.

In 2013, Cirstea broke into the pinnacle 20 of the WTA scores after a quarterfinal run at Roland Garros and triumphing two singles titles. She climbed as high as #21 in the world that year before injuries derailed her progress.

Cirstea has won six WTA singles titles in her career, including two in 2021. She also has five doubles titles to her name. The Romanian has represented her country at the Olympics twice including finishing fourth in women’s doubles at the 2016 Rio Games.

As the current Romanian #1 female player, Cirstea has been an inspirational figure for tennis in the country. Her US Open run will attract even more Romanian fans to the sport. It’s another proud accomplishment for the nation that produced legends like Ilie Nastase and Simona Halep.

Previewing Sorana Cirstea’s Quarterfinal Matchup Against Karolína Muchová

In the quarterfinals, Cirstea will face a tough test against 10th seeded Czech player Karolína Muchová. The two have never met before on the WTA Tour.

Muchová, age 25, also reached the quarterfinals in 2019 in her best US Open result. The versatile Czech took out 4th seed Maria Sakkari in the previous round.

To beat Muchová, Cirstea must continue serving well and look for opportunities to dictate play with her forehand. The Romanian’s experience and confidence should serve her well to make this first Grand Slam semi-final.

But win or lose in the next round, Sorana Cirstea has proven herself once again on tennis’ biggest stage. After many years of hard work, she is finally getting the breakthrough results her talent has always merited.

Player Reactions: Cirstea Credits Hard Work for US Open Success

After her round of 16 win, a delighted Cirstea credited her work ethic for achieving this career highlight:

“Since I have been working hard lately, I have a big smile on my face. It’s extraordinary. I worked hard, but it paid off. This week was a good week for me.”

Cirstea also commented on handling the pressure situations at the US Open:

“It is my first time attending a Grand Slam in front of a full crowd, so that is all new to me. But I’m enjoying it loads. I was telling myself it doesn’t remember who is on the other aspect or what the rating is, I simply should live in the present.”

Her quarterfinal opponent Muchová also praised Cirstea’s level after beating Sakkari:

“I think Sorana is playing amazing tennis. I saw her match against Anett and she was playing really good.”

The Czech player expects a tough battle against the confident Romanian:

“She’s really on fire. I think she’s gonna make me work extremely hard but I’m going to be prepared and ready.”

Social Media Buzz Around Sorana Cirstea’s Breakthrough Run

Cirstea’s impressive US Open run has generated excitement on social media amongst Romanian and tennis fans:

• #Cirstea is trending on Twitter as fans react to her giant-killing spree in New York.
• The Romanian Tennis Federation tweeted: “Congratulations Sorana Cirstea for the historic qualification in the quarterfinals!” #USOpen
• Tennis writer Matt Zemek posted: “Sorana Cirstea is one of the best stories at this year’s Open. She has found the right tennis at the right time.” #PlayYourBest
• Former player Pam Shriver wrote: “At 33, Cirstea is playing the tennis of her life. Her aggressive baseline game is perfectly suited for these courts.” #USOpen2022
• Sports commentator Linda Pearce: “Such a feel good story to see veteran Sorana Cirstea finally fulfilling her potential on the big stage at the #USOpen”

Cirstea’s long career dedication is inspiring fans from Romania and around the world as she makes her mark in New York. Her Cinderella run proves hard work pays off as she eyes off a historic Grand Slam semi-final.

FAQ’s

Who is Sorana Cirstea?

Sorana Cirstea is a 33-year-old professional tennis player from Romania. She turned pro in 2003 and has won 6 singles titles on the WTA Tour. Cirstea is currently ranked #45 in the world.

What did Cirstea accomplish at the 2023 US Open?

Cirstea reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since 2009. As an unseeded player, she upset #19 Madison Keys, #2 Anett Kontaveit and #12 Belinda Bencic to make the final 8.

How did Cirstea make the quarterfinals?

Cirstea displayed aggressive baseline play and poise in big moments. She hit strong groundstrokes and serves while minimizing errors. The Romanian also showed great fitness playing long rallies and winning decisive points.

Who will Cirstea face in the quarterfinals?

Cirstea will next face #10 seed Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic. The two have never played before on the WTA tour.

What is Cirstea’s best previous Grand Slam result?

Cirstea reached the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2009. She also made the 4th round of Wimbledon that same year. Her recent major results were modest before this US Open breakthrough.

Is reaching the quarterfinals a big accomplishment for Cirstea?

Absolutely. Making her first Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2009 at age 33 proves Cirstea’s hard work has paid off. She has been playing professionally for 17 years and achieved her best major result.