Emma Raducanu has just reached her first final since the 2021 US Open after completing a third-set comeback to beat Oleksandra Oliynykova 7-5 3-6 6-3 in the Cluj Napoca semifinal.
Raducanu, the No. 1 seed at the Transylvania Open, claimed the first break of the match in the ninth game for a 5-4 lead, but failed to serve out for the opener in the following game. However, the 2021 US Open champion didn't panic, earning another break in the 11th game for a 6-5 lead before serving out for the opener in the following game.
After winning the first set, Raducanu also opened an early break 3-1 lead in the second set. Down by a set and a break, Oliynykova refused to quit as the 91st-ranked Ukrainian won the next five games to overturn the deficit and force a decider.
Raducanu didn't start the third set well either, falling down by an early break and trailing 1-2. But that's when the top seed finally started to play well again, winning five of the next six games to complete a three-set win.
Who is Raducanu's opponent in the Cluj-Napoca final?
For the Cluj-Napoca title, the top-ranked British female tennis player will play against the winner of the match between Sorana Cirstea and Daria Snigur.
Meanwhile, before facing Oliynykova for the first time in her career, Raducanu noted that she wasn't taking the match lightly.
"I know she plays well. She’s beaten some strong opponents and had a very high-quality match against Madison Keys at the Australian Open. I’ll need to be very focused and in my best shape tomorrow. I don’t know how the match will unfold, but it’s clear we’ll both give our best. She’s a fighter, and I’m also pleased with how I’ve handled things throughout the week," the top seed said before facing the Ukrainian.
Raducanu is now just one win away from winning her first title in four and a half years.
