Hong Kong Tennis Open: why Sorana Cirstea reversed her retirement decision
Romanian survives epic second-round contest with close friend Ajla Tomljanovic to set up tantalising quarter-final with Leylah Fernandez
After surviving a Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open second-round epic against Ajla Tomljanovic on Wednesday, Sorana Cirstea said her love for the sport had persuaded her to continue for an astonishing 21st season on the WTA Tour.
Cirstea, who will meet 2023 champion Leylah Fernandez in Friday’s quarter-finals, had originally planned to retire at the end of this year.
Currently ranked world No 45, the 35-year-old Romanian won her second career tour title in Cleveland in August, before a run to this month’s Japan Open semi-finals, where she fell in three sets to Fernandez.
“The older I’ve got, the more joy I’ve found in my tennis,” said Cirstea, who debuted on the tour in 2006. “It’s why I’m still here and can produce a good level.
“I wouldn’t be able to do what I do at my age if didn’t have so much love for the sport.
“I love working hard and I’m fit. I’ve always been aggressive and matched up well with opponents, even the new generation. I’m quite coachable, which helps, because tennis progresses and you have to adapt.