Sorana Cirstea Advances to Italian Open Semi-Finals in Swan Song Season

They say you're a long time retired and Romania's Sorana Cirstea is fully embodying the idea of finishing a successful career on a high. Cirstea, 36, is set to end her playing career at the end of 2026, but not before a stunning swansong which has become one of the most heartwarming stories of the season. On Tuesday, Cirstea earned a 6-1 7-6 (7-0) victory over Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko to move into the Italian Open semi-finals for the first time. The run has seen Cirstea move inside the top 10 of the annual WTA seasonal race and put her among the in-form players going into the French Open later this month. "I always said there's no expiration date for ambition and dreams," Cirstea said. "I think everyone can see that I absolutely love this sport. I have so much passion for it. "For me to play here and be in the semi-finals in Rome is absolutely amazing."