Sorana Cîrstea, victory in 3 sets with Tatjana Maria and qualifying for the second round at Indian Wells: “A very difficult match”
Article by David Istrate – Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2026 23:22 / Updated on Wednesday, 04 March 2026 23:23
Sorana Cîrstea (35 years old, 38 WTA) managed to qualify for the second round at Indian Wells, after a victory in 3 sets, score 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, against Tatjana Maria (38 years old, 59 WTA). Next, the Romanian will meet Diana Shnaider (21 years old, 20 WTA).
Present for the last time at Indian Wells, Sorana Cîrstea showed, overall, a very good game against Tatjana Maria, who had some momentary flashes. The Romanian served well, hit the ball with force and managed the opponent's slices very well, managing to “pass” her on numerous occasions.
Sorana Cîrstea was the more aggressive player and, after two hours, she defeated Tatjana Maria
Cîrstea was the player who controlled most of the points, while Maria defended herself, tried to diversify her shots and surprise the 35-year-old tennis player. At times, Sorana looked impatient and made mistakes but eventually closed out the opening set 6-4.
The German started the second set better, took advantage of her opponent's mistakes, was more aggressive and led 3-1. Cîrstea regained her confidence and her shots from the first set, she had moments when she played incredibly and took the lead: 4-3.
But Maria did not give up the fight, followed the game plan and put the Transylvania Open champion in trouble. After 3 games by Sorana, 3 games were won by Tatjana, who sent the match to a deciding set.
The final sequence was dominated by Cîrstea, who left nothing to chance, continued to harass Maria with some powerful and well-placed shots, went to the net often and after two hours prevailed 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
Sorana Cîrstea, duel with Diana Shnaider in the second round at Indian Wells: “I feel at home”
“It was a very difficult match today. She is an incredible player, I had to work seriously. I didn't do many bad things today, but she found many excellent shots. I am very happy for the support from the stands that I had”, declared Cîrstea
“I really like it here, it's one of our favorite tournaments. I feel at home, it's a very relaxed atmosphere“, she added.
In the second round at Indian Wells, Sorana Cîrstea will meet Diana Shnaider, who did not play in the first round. In case of a victory, the Romanian could duel in the third round with Linda Noskova (21 years old, 14 WTA).
