Raducanu Breaks Through to First Final Since Historic US Open Triumph
When Emma Raducanu fired an ace past Leylah Fernandez to clinch her remarkable US Open victory in 2021, few could have predicted it would take 1,610 days for her to return to a championship match. That long wait has finally ended, as Raducanu defeated Oleksandra Oliynykova in the semi-finals of the Transylvanian Open, securing her place in a final for the first time since that unforgettable night in New York.
A Historic Day for British Women's Tennis
In an unprecedented achievement, two British women will compete in singles finals on the same day, with Katie Boulter also progressing to the final of the Ostrava Open. This marks a significant milestone in the history of British tennis, showcasing the depth and talent emerging from the nation.
Raducanu's victory over Oliynykova was secured thanks to an astonishing sequence of 16 consecutive points in the deciding set, demonstrating her resilience and tactical acumen. The match concluded with a score of 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 after two hours and 49 minutes of intense play.
Overcoming Psychological Barriers and Injuries
For Raducanu, this breakthrough feels like the clearing of a major psychological hurdle. Over the past four years, she has faced numerous challenges, including multiple injuries, frequent coaching changes, and intense public scrutiny. Despite steady progress in the last 18 months, she had lost all three semi-finals contested since her 2021 US Open win.
"It was an incredible match, proud of how I competed, how I managed the match, I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support," said Raducanu, who received enthusiastic local support in Romania, her father's birthplace. She even delivered part of her winner's speech in Romanian, adding, "It’s an incredible feeling, I really feel like I’m at home here."
Contrasting Circumstances and Tactical Mastery
The contrast between Raducanu's current situation and her 2021 triumph is stark. At the US Open, she was a complete outsider, whereas at this WTA 250 event, her world No. 30 ranking earned her the top seeding. Her opponent, Oliynykova, presented a unique challenge with her ultra-defensive style, characterized by chipping and looping shots to force errors.
Oliynykova, a 25-year-old Ukrainian ranked world No. 91, is known for her unconventional appearance, including temporary bat tattoos on her cheeks in tribute to Transylvania's vampiric lore. Raducanu showed impressive composure to avoid frustration from these soft-ball tactics, balancing aggression with patience effectively.
Without a permanent coach—she was assisted this week by 27-year-old Brit Alexis Canter—Raducanu displayed sharp on-court decision-making. She recovered from losing the second set after being a break up, cruising through the decider with that decisive point blitz.
Boulter's Resurgence and Broader British Success
Elsewhere, Katie Boulter delivered a dominant performance, thrashing American Katie Volynets 6-1, 6-3 to reach the final of the Ostrava Open. This is Boulter's first tour final since Hong Kong in October 2024, providing a much-needed boost after a difficult 2024 season. The 29-year-old will face either Diane Parry or Tamara Korpatsch in the final.
British success extended to the men's game as well, with former Wimbledon doubles champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glaspool helping secure a 3-0 Davis Cup victory over Norway. Britain will now face either Australia or Ecuador in September for a spot in the eight-team finals.
Raducanu now awaits the winner of the second semi-final between Sorana Cirstea and Daria Snigur, as she aims to cap her comeback with a title in a tournament that holds personal significance due to her Romanian heritage.
