Article by David Istrate – published on Saturday, August 23, 2025 23:45 / Updated on Saturday, August 23, 2025 23:53
Sorana Cîrstea (35 years, 112 WTA) defeated Ann Li (25 years, 69 WTA) in the final of the Cleveland tournament, score 6-2, 6-4, and obtained the 3rd quarry title. At the award ceremony, the Romanian was extremely happy, declaring that he was living his dream.
Sorana Cîrstea had a dream week at Cleveland, a WTA 250 tournament meant to offer some training matches before the US Open. The 35 -year -old player started for qualifications, won a match after the match and, finally, became a champion, obtaining the second title of the year after the one in Madrid, where he was double with Anna Kalinskaya.
Sorana Cîrstea, after the title from Cleveland: “I came here without having any expectation”
First, Sorana congratulated her opponent, on Ann Li, a player who lost a final this season in Singapore. “First of all, I want to congratulate Ann. A great week, a considerable effort and you have shown that you have a great potential. I hope you are very successful at the US Open, ”said the Cleveland champion.
“I want to go to my team. I came here to play some matches without having any expectation. I thank Adrian (no crusader). I could not ask for a better coach. I worked with him and in the last 2 months I started to collaborate again. I am very grateful for being here. Cîrstea.
She thanked the organizers, the WTA staff, the volunteers and the director of the tournament, saying that she knows that it is not easy and that people see only a small part of the work done: “I am grateful, because of you I can live my dream and have this opportunity”.
“It was a wonderful week since the qualifications, from the first match. I felt the energy, I felt well received, I enjoyed the city and I think it saw how well I feel. I think I wanted to stay here as much as possible,” added Sorana.
Sorana Cîrstea praised the fans in Romania: “I am grateful for their support”
At the end, The Romanian thanked both her family and her friend's family And then he praised the public in Cleveland, mentioning a lady who supported her daily, from the beginning of the tour to the final.
“I want to thank the public. I am not interested if you have supported me or not, you were wonderful,” said Sorana, before talking about the Romanian fans, who shouted her name when she got up from the bench to receive the trophy.
“Then, about the Romanian fans … We are a small country in Eastern Europe, but wherever I go to the world I have fans with me, with the flag with them, and I am grateful for their support. This trophy is for you too. I didn't think there were so many Romanians in Cleveland, but thank you! ”, Concluded the player who will climb 71st place.
The Queen of Cleveland! 😍@sorana_cirstea Defeats Li 6-2, 6-4 to take the Title in Ohio! #Tennisintheland pic.twitter.com/lyjakycoqb
– WTA (@wta) August 23, 2025
Before taking over the microphone, Cîrstea was praised by her opponent. “Sorana congratulations, you played very well, an amazing week, I congratulate you and your staff,” said Ann Li.
She appreciated the organization of the Cleveland tournament, thanked the sponsors and organizers, showed her gratitude to her team and addressed a message to the supporters.
“I thank the fans, their support was incredible this week. I felt sustained, you made this tournament wonderful”, Concluded the American.
Both players are now preparing for the debut at the US Open 2025. Cîrstea will play, in the first round, against Solana Sierra (21 years, 75 WTA), while ANN will be taken with Rebecca Sramkova (28 years, 38 WTA).
