Emma Raducanu opens up on illness during brutal Transylvania Open final defeat
Emma Raducanu Opens Up on Illness During Tough Transylvania Open Final Defeat
Emma Raducanu showed real honesty and courage in her post‑match interview after a difficult defeat in the Transylvania Open final — her second tour‑level final since the unforgettable 2021 US Open triumph.
The British No. 1 was heavily beaten 6‑0, 6‑2 by Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea in Cluj‑Napoca, where she had put together an admirable run to reach her first final in years. But Raducanu revealed that her performance was significantly affected by her physical condition throughout the week.
Addressing reporters, Raducanu admitted she had been unwell during the tournament and that it took a toll on her energy levels, especially after an exhausting three‑hour semifinal the day before. She said that while she respected Cîrstea’s level of play, her own body wasn’t giving her much to work with on the day.
“I’ve just been a bit ill this week and then yesterday’s match was so long and it just took it out of me,” Raducanu shared. “So for today I just felt like energy‑wise that I didn’t really have much energy. It was really difficult.”
Despite the heavy scoreline, Raducanu struck a gracious note — praising her opponent and acknowledging the support she received from fans in Romania, a country close to her heart through her father’s roots. She also expressed a sense of perspective, highlighting how much the week meant to her growth and confidence on tour.
Raducanu’s openness about her illness and fatigue offers a reminder of the physical and mental demands of professional tennis, especially when competing at the highest level. It also underlines her resilience, as she continues to rebuild momentum after years of injuries and inconsistent results.
