Emma Raducanu has reached her first WTA final since her historic 2021 US Open victory after defeating Oleksandra Oliynykova in a dramatic semifinal at the Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca.
The former world No. 10 battled through a gruelling two-hour and 49-minute match to secure a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 win over the unseeded Ukrainian, who is ranked 91st in the world. The victory ended Raducanu’s long wait for another championship match and marked an important milestone in her recent resurgence.
Raducanu made a strong start and took the opening set after receiving treatment for a shoulder issue. She then moved into a 3-1 lead in the second set, appearing in control. However, Oliynykova responded with an impressive run of five straight games to level the match and shift the momentum.
The third set followed a similar pattern, with Oliynykova breaking early to move ahead. Facing mounting pressure, Raducanu responded with her best tennis of the match, winning 16 consecutive points to regain control. She later showed composure to close out the contest, saving two break points after missing earlier match points.
The match also carried personal significance for Raducanu, who has family roots in Romania through her father. She said she felt at home in Cluj-Napoca and credited the crowd’s support for helping her through the toughest moments.
“I’m most proud of how I competed and how I fought back in the third set,” Raducanu said after the match, praising Oliynykova’s level and determination.
Raducanu will now face either third seed Sorana Cirstea of Romania or Ukrainian qualifier Daria Snigur in the final. With a first title since her US Open breakthrough within reach, the British No. 1 will be aiming to complete an encouraging week with a long-awaited trophy.
