Emma Raducanu Battles Through to First Final Since US Open Glory as Katie Boulter Also Breaks New Ground
Emma Raducanu showed resilience, determination and mental strength to grind out a hard-fought victory over Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova, booking her place in her first final since her unforgettable US Open triumph in 2021. The British number one survived a bruising three-set encounter to win 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 at the Transylvania Open, marking a significant milestone in her comeback journey.
Raducanu’s rise to global fame came at just 18 years old, when she stunned the tennis world with a fairy-tale run at Flushing Meadows. Entering the tournament as a qualifier, she defied all expectations to lift the trophy without dropping a single set, becoming the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam. That remarkable achievement instantly turned her into one of the most recognisable names in sport.
Injuries and Instability Halt Momentum
However, building on that historic success has proven difficult. Over the past few years, Raducanu’s career has been disrupted by a series of injuries, ranging from wrist and ankle problems to surgeries that forced extended time away from the tour. Alongside the physical setbacks, frequent coaching changes added further instability, making it hard for her to establish rhythm and consistency on the WTA circuit.
As a result, the 2021 US Open has remained Raducanu’s only senior title, and confidence has often been fragile. She had lost her previous three WTA semi-finals, adding extra pressure heading into the clash with Oliynykova. Another defeat at this stage would have extended a frustrating trend and delayed her return to a title match even further.
Gritty Semi-Final in Romania
But in Cluj-Napoca, Raducanu displayed renewed belief and competitive spirit. Facing a fearless and energetic Oliynykova, the Briton was pushed to her limits during an exhausting contest that lasted just under three hours. The opening set was tightly contested, with Raducanu initially failing to serve it out at the first attempt. Oliynykova broke back, threatening to swing momentum, but Raducanu responded strongly to close the set 7-5 after an intense 75 minutes.
The second set proved more difficult. Raducanu’s level dipped, and Oliynykova took full advantage, breaking serve three times as she claimed the set 6-3. The Ukrainian’s aggressive baseline play and relentless movement forced a decider, placing Raducanu under familiar pressure in a deciding set.
Mental Strength in the Decider
The final set began poorly for Raducanu, who quickly found herself a break down. In recent months, those situations have often ended in defeat, with the Briton losing six consecutive deciding-set matches prior to this tournament. This time, however, the story was different.
Digging deep, Raducanu steadied herself, improved her shot selection and gradually wrestled back control. She broke serve, raised her intensity, and began dictating rallies with her forehand. At 5-3, she earned match points but failed to convert her first two chances. Even then, she refused to panic, saving two break-back points before finally sealing victory on her third match point.
The win snapped her worrying run in deciding sets and marked her first three-set victory since beating Ann Li at Eastbourne in June.
Emotional Scenes and Family Connection
After securing the win, an exhausted but visibly emotional Raducanu addressed the crowd. With her father Ion hailing from Bucharest, the moment carried special meaning. She even spoke briefly in Romanian, drawing warm applause from the fans inside the arena.
“I’m so proud of how I competed,” Raducanu said. “Especially how I came back in the third set and managed the match. I don’t think I could have done it without everyone’s support here, so thank you so much.”
Only Romania’s Sorana Cirstea now stands between Raducanu and her first piece of silverware in five years — a victory that would represent a huge step forward in her long rebuild.
Australian Open Exit and Fresh Start
Raducanu’s run in Romania comes just weeks after a disappointing second-round exit at the Australian Open, where she struggled to find form. Shortly after that loss, she parted ways with coach Francisco Roig, once again resetting her support team.
Despite that disruption, her performances at the Transylvania Open have highlighted a renewed sense of purpose, with improved movement, resilience and belief shining through each round.
Boulter Storms into Ostrava Open Final
It was not just Raducanu flying the flag for Britain this week. Fellow Briton Katie Boulter also reached a significant milestone by advancing to the final of the Ostrava Open. The British number four produced a dominant display to defeat American Katie Volynets 6-1, 6-3, securing her first final appearance in more than 15 months.
Boulter’s victory means she and Raducanu will become the first two British women to contest WTA Tour-level finals on the same day — a notable moment for British tennis.
New Coaching Setup Pays Off
The 29-year-old’s resurgence comes after changes of her own. Boulter ended her long-term partnership with coach Biljana Veselinovic late last year and appointed former Maria Sharapova coach Michael Joyce at the start of 2026. The early signs of that partnership have been promising.
Boulter revealed she is particularly motivated heading into Saturday’s final, with Joyce celebrating his birthday week.
“It’s Mickey’s birthday week, so I’m going to try and get him a birthday present tomorrow — which is the trophy,” Boulter joked. “I’ll put everything on the line.”
Ranking Boost on the Line
Currently ranked 120th in the world, Boulter knows a title win in the Czech Republic would lift her back into the top 100 — a crucial target as she looks to regain momentum on the tour. Her final against Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch represents a golden opportunity.
Meanwhile, Raducanu’s progress in Romania offers hope that her long journey back toward the top of the women’s game is finally gathering pace.
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