Sorana Cirstea's Historic Win at French Open
Sorana Cirstea has secured four WTA titles throughout her 20-year professional tennis career.
Continuing her impressive performance late in her career, Cirstea dominated Solana Sierra with a 6-0 6-0 victory to advance to the fourth round of the French Open.
At 36 years old, Cirstea is the oldest player in the Open era to achieve a 'double bagel' win in a Grand Slam main draw.
This victory over Argentina's Sierra also makes Cirstea the oldest woman to reach the last 16 in singles at Roland Garros since Serena Williams did so in 2021.
Romanian Cirstea, who plans to retire at the end of 2026, is currently experiencing one of the most successful phases of her two-decade-long career.
This marks the first time Cirstea has progressed beyond the second round in a Grand Slam event since the 2022 US Open.
Earlier in the month, she reached the semi-finals of the Italian Open, notably defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Cirstea was dominant throughout the match, with her 21-year-old opponent failing to reach a single game point.
"I don't feel I'm doing anything different. I feel I am still working the same - the same discipline and professionalism," Cirstea said.
"Every time I step on court I feel I have a lot of things to improve. I have goals I want to improve and that keeps me alive.
"I've always been there the last couple of years around [world number] 20, but I feel what's different this season is the consistency."
Cirstea is set to face China's Wang Xiyu next. A win would see her reach the Roland Garros quarter-finals for the first time in 17 years, matching her best Grand Slam performance.
Her previous Grand Slam quarter-final appearance was at the 2022 US Open.
Other French Open Highlights
Earlier in the day, six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek defeated Magda Linette 6-4 6-4, while Czech 10th seed Karolina Muchova was upset by Switzerland's Jil Teichmann.
Known as 'the Queen of Clay,' Swiatek claimed four Roland Garros titles between 2020 and 2024 but has faced challenges on the clay surface since the 2025 season.
Swiatek displayed moments of her best form in her win over fellow Pole Linette, though her performance was inconsistent.
The 24-year-old will face Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk in the fourth round, following Kostyuk's 6-4 6-3 victory against Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic.
Muchova, who lost to Swiatek in the 2023 final, was defeated 6-1 7-5 by world number 170 Teichmann.
Additional French Open News
- French Open to take action against Vallejo for 'sexist' remarks
- Players call for removal of sponsorship boards after injury concerns
- Concerns rise over British players' Grand Slam performances ahead of Wimbledon
