Emma Raducanu reaches first WTA final since 2021
Emma Raducanu has battled her way into her first WTA final since that unforgettable US Open triumph back in 2021, reports BritPanorama. The 23-year-old British No. 1 overcame Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 in a gruelling Transylvania Open semi-final that stretched beyond three hours.
Raducanu faced a challenging match, notably receiving treatment on her right shoulder early in the contest. This concern raised questions regarding her endurance, yet she managed to serve out the first set in flawless fashion, allowing no points to Oliynykova.
The second set saw momentum swing wildly between the two players. Raducanu broke early and appeared in control, but Oliynykova’s tenacity proved formidable as she leveled at 3-3 and eventually took the set, claiming five consecutive games in a period that increasingly frustrated Raducanu.
The decisive set continued in a similar fashion, with Raducanu initially falling behind before finding her rhythm and surging to a 5-2 lead. Oliynykova, however, demonstrated resilience, saving three match points and forcing Raducanu to serve it out under significant pressure. Ultimately, Raducanu fended off two break points to secure victory.
Post-match, Raducanu reflected on the challenge, saying, “I mean what an incredible match. I think all props to my opponent today. She played incredible. She makes it so tricky to put the ball past her.” She expressed pride in her competitive spirit and recovery during the third set.
This tournament marks Raducanu’s first since splitting with coach Francisco Roig, a decision made amid her tenth coaching change. During her time in Romania, she has demonstrated impressive skills, besting Greet Minnen, Kaja Juven, and Maja Chwalinska without dropping a set leading up to today’s semi-final.
As Raducanu prepares to face either third seed Sorana Cirstea or Daria Snigur for the title, there’s a sense that this return to form, after a series of tests, reflects her enduring potential on the court, and a reminder of the thin line between victory and defeat in professional tennis.
