Article by Luminița Paul, Adrian Jitea – Published on Thursday, 21 May 2026, 16:26 / Updated on Thursday, 21 May 2026 16:39
Jaqueline Cristian (27 years old, 33 WTA) defeated Daria Kasatkina (29 years old, 62 WTA), score 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-2 and qualified for the semifinals of the Strasbourg tournament.
Jaqueline Cristian qualified in Strasbourg for the fourth time in the quarter-finals of a WTA 500 tournament, after those in 2021 in St. Petersburg, 2024 from Charleston and 2025 from Adelaide.
On the green clay in Charleston, the Romanian was defeated by her opponent from France, Daria Kasatkina, who was on a comeback trail.
Daria Kasatkina, known figure for Jaqueline Cristian
The two had faced each other four times before, with Jaq winning their most recent clash in January this year on the hard court in Adelaide. But it would be their first clash on the red surface, adding interest to their match.
One that provided intrigue in the first set: after the first two games were comfortably won on serve, the break festival was inaugurated: 8 in a row! Kasatkina with four double faults in total, fragile on the second ball in particular, while Jaq played aggressively on the return, but in her games she sometimes did not find the decisive opening.
They impressed some short crafts from the Romanian, as well as some inspired executions from the Australian, who plays with a lot of effect, typical for clay.
The tight battle finally got rid of the breaks, not the balance. Only the tie-break differentiated them in the first act, the decisive game being authoritatively decided by the Romanian, 7-3.
Jaqueline Cristian comes out on top of a very tight first set against Kasatkina in Strasbourg ✨#IS26 pic.twitter.com/1LlYtDsfM9
— wta (@WTA) May 21, 2026
The second half got off to a rough start for Kasatkina, who broke away at 3-0, however the unpredictable scenario continued as Jaq went close at 2-3. With a first ball rate of 79%, Daria managed to break the series of breaks and keep the fans in tension for another set, final 6-3.
Jaqueline, in the semifinals in Strasbourg!
The first break of the decider came at the end of a grueling rally. Over 20 shots, several balls that landed on the backcourt line. Jaqueline tried to come forward, missed the volley, served short, but took advantage of the opponent's mistake.
Jaqueline was not helped by her serve in the second game, but she held up well in the exchanges. He opened up the angles with his forehand and stayed in front. The first hops in the third set were overcome with two exceptional shorts, perfectly disguised.
The confidence gained carried the Romanian representative to a smoother and faster finish than expected. He didn't make a single mistake, ran infuriatingly for the opposition after every ball and continued to break the rhythm with fine executions.
Kasatkina tried to respond with all-or-nothing shots. Few worked for her and she had to admit failure, 2-6. He did it with a lot of fair play, a tight, long hug over the net.
I'm a little tired, but I'm happier than ever. I am proud of the match I played. What a battle! It was an intense dispute, emotions came like a roller coaster. I was down in the second set, but my teammates helped me. Daria is an extraordinary player, she is recovering from her injury.
It was beautiful weather, a suitable audience, a few Romanians who supported me. The perfect conditions. At this level, the differences are very small. Tactical advice helps, but in the end it's the mental part that counts. I managed to manage today. In such moments you have to trust yourself, play your chance. I was aggressive and it worked.
– Jaqueline Cristian
In the semifinals, Jaqueline Cristian will meet the winner of the dispute Victoria Mboko (9 WTA) – Leylah Fernandez (24 WTA).
