Emma Raducanu has remarkably reached her first WTA final since her sensational 2021 US Open triumph, overcoming an injury scare to defeat Oleksandra Oliynykova in a gruelling three-set thriller at the Transylvania Open. The 23-year-old British tennis star outplayed her Ukrainian opponent in the semi-final clash, securing a hard-fought 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory that sets up a Saturday final showdown against either third seed Sorana Cirstea or Daria Snigur.
First Final Appearance in Nearly Five Years
This monumental achievement represents Raducanu's first tournament final appearance since her stunning Flushing Meadows victory four-and-a-half years ago, marking only her fourth semi-final appearance during that challenging period. The triumph serves as perfect redemption following a disappointing Australian Open campaign where she suffered a second-round exit against Anastasia Potapova, losing 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 in Melbourne.
Navigating Coaching Changes and Tournament Pressure
This Transylvania Open campaign also marks Raducanu's first tournament since parting ways with coach Francisco Roig, who became her tenth coaching appointment in just six months. Amid intense scrutiny surrounding her search for yet another new coach, Raducanu has let her tennis do the talking throughout the tournament, defeating Belgium's Greet Minnen, Slovakia's Kaja Juven, and Poland's Maja Chwalinska without dropping a single set.
Nerve-Wracking Opening Set Drama
The semi-final presented a formidable challenge against Oliynykova, whose facial tattoos of bats pay homage to Transylvania's legendary vampire folklore. The Ukrainian quickly established pressure, holding serve comfortably while forcing multiple deuces in Raducanu's opening service game. The tense opening set saw neither player creating break point opportunities until the ninth game, when Raducanu finally capitalized on her moment, forcing Oliynykova into a crucial error.
Raducanu then found herself defending against two break points, saving the first with a spectacular lob and the second through a thrilling baseline exchange that wore down her opponent. She subsequently fought off third and fourth break points, but after squandering two set points of her own, Oliynykova broke back to level the score at 5-5.
Injury Scare and Medical Intervention
Oliynykova's steady performance faltered at a critical service game at 5-5, allowing Raducanu to claw back to deuce and break, giving her the opportunity to serve for the set. Just before stepping up to clinch the opener, Raducanu summoned the trainer, who performed a series of movements and stretches on her right shoulder during an extended medical break.
Flawless Recovery and Emotional Victory
Rather than conceding defeat, the determined 23-year-old served out the set flawlessly without dropping a single point, ultimately reaching her first WTA final in almost five years. Following her exhausting triumph, an emotional Raducanu reflected: "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. You think it's past her and the ball is on your baseline or on your sideline, it was so difficult. I'm most proud of how I competed, how I came back in the third set and how I managed the match. I honestly don't know if I could have done that without everybody's support today so thank you so much."
This remarkable comeback victory not only demonstrates Raducanu's resilience and competitive spirit but also signals a potential return to form for the British number one as she prepares for her first championship match since her historic Grand Slam breakthrough.
