Age just a number as Cirstea powers into Rome semis

Sorana Cirstea proved that age is just a number as the 36-year-old Romanian continued her impressive farewell tour, reaching the semifinals of the Italian Open with a commanding 6-1 7-6(0) victory over former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.

Cirstea, who plans to retire later this year, has already delivered the shock of the tournament by stunning world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday's third round.

Sorana in the semis 🤩

Sorana Cirstea becomes our first semifinalist in Rome, defeating Ostapenko 6-1, 7-6(0)!
#IBI26 pic.twitter.com/qQDvzxrkh3

She now stands just one win away from breaking into the top 20 for the first time in her career, having previously reached a career-high ranking of 21 in August 2013.

"I always said there's no expiration date for ambition and dreams," said Cirstea, the 26th seed in Rome.

"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 semifinals in Rome is absolutely amazing.

No messing around 👊

Sorana Cirstea makes quick work of the opening set against Ostapenko, taking it 6-1 and moving a step closer to the semifinals!#IBI26 pic.twitter.com/Go6sLCBsFp — wta (@WTA) May 12, 2026

"I'm so grateful to the sport. I'm just really, really enjoying my week in Rome so far."

Cirstea's remarkable clay-court form has seen her suffer only two defeats this season on the surface - against two-times major winner Coco Gauff at the Madrid Open and Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva at the Linz Open. She was also forced to withdraw from the Open de Rouen semifinals due to a leg injury.

Fittingly, she will face one of those two players in the last four in Rome.