Sorana Cirstea has decided against playing in Doha, less than 24 hours after dismantling Emma Raducanu 6-0 6-2 to win the Cluj-Napoca title.
On Saturday, the 35-year-old – who is playing her final season – enjoyed one of the most special days of her career after lifting her first title in Romania. From start to finish, the new four-time WTA champion was clinical, breaking Raducanu six times en route to completing a dominant straight-set win in just over an hour of play.
The Qatar Open already started on Sunday, so Cirstea would have basically needed to instantly jump on a plane and fly to Doha. There was an expectation that the Romanian – who drew Janice Tjen in the first round – would decide to skip Doha. In the end, exactly that happened.
The reigning Cluj-Napoca champion will be replaced by lucky loser Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Cirstea couldn't hide her happiness after winning Cluj-Napoca
As mentioned above, Cirstea is playing her last season as a pro tennis player. In the past, the Romanian achieved some solid success by winning three titles and getting to No. 21 in the world. However, winning a title in front of her home fans was something memorable.
“I will retire from tennis at the end of this year, and I will retire a happy person — and that is thanks to the memories you gave me this week in Cluj!” the 35-year-old said after triumphing in Cluj-Napoca.
Champion on home soil 💜@sorana_cirstea defeats Raducanu in straight sets and becomes the first home winner in Cluj-Napoca ✨#TO2026 pic.twitter.com/1uD01dBeui
— wta (@WTA) February 7, 2026
As a reward for her win, Cirstea – who started the week ranked at No. 36 in the world – will improve five spots and sit at No. 31 on Monday.
Cirstea should play her next tournament in Dubai, which starts on February 15th.
