Terrible luck in the draw! Sorana Cîrstea, Jaqueline Cristian and Gabi Ruse found out their opponents at the Australian Open
Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Thursday, January 15, 2026, 08:10 / Updated Thursday, January 15, 2026 08:11
Sorana Cîrstea (35 years old, 41 WTA), Jaqueline Cristian (27 years old, 38 WTA) and Gabi Ruse (28 years old, 85 WTA), the three representatives of Romania on the main draw from the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, the Australian Open, found out their opponents in the first match of the Antipozi competition last night, and their mission will be an extremely complicated one.
The three were not given a chance in the draw for the competition which runs from January 18 to February 1 in Melbourne. Miriam Bulgaru was also in the qualifiers, but failed to advance to the main draw of the Grand Slam tournament.
Jaqueline Cristian and Gabi Ruse can be considered the unluckiest, as they will meet a seed from the very first match. Sorana didn't have a better chance either, fighting in the first round with Eva Lys (24 years old, 39 WTA).
What opponents will the Romanians have at the Australian Open 2026
Sorana Cîrsteawho comes after retiring from Adelaide, will meet one of the most fit players of the moment. The German had a dream 2025 and wants to continue her very good form this year as well.
If she manages to advance to the second round, Sorana will have another extremely complicated match, most likely against Naomi Osaka, who is playing Antonia Ruzic on her debut.
Sorana Cîrstea / Photo: Getty Images
Jaqueline Cristian, which stopped last night in the quarter-final stage at the 500-point tournament in Adelaide, she will have a terrible mission in the first round of the Australian Open, going to meet the Czech Karolina Muchova (29 years old, 19th WTA), a player who won the previous three straight meetings without losing a set.
If she manages to get past Muchova, Jaqueline will duel in the second round with the winner of the Alycia Parks – Alexandra Eala match.
Jaqueline Cristian // Photo: Imago Images
Gabi Ruse she also had little chance in the draw, going to meet Dayana Yastremska (25 years old, 26th WTA) in the first match. The Ukrainian was Sorana's opponent in Adelaide, but the match did not take place after the Romanian decided to withdraw.
Even though she starts as the favorite, Yastremska lost both straight matches against the Russian, who, if she advances to the second round, will face Alja Tomljanovic or a player from the qualifiers.
Gabriela Ruse Photo: Guliver/GettyImages
