Italian Open 2026: Sorana Cirstea reaches Rome semi-finals in her final season before retirement

They say you're a long time retired and Romania's Sorana Cirstea is fully embodying the idea of finishing a successful career on a high.

Cirstea, 36, is set to end her playing career at the end of 2026, but not before a stunning swansong which has become one of the most heartwarming stories of the season.

On Tuesday, Cirstea earned a 6-1 7-6 (7-0) victory over Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko to move into the Italian Open semi-finals for the first time.

The run has seen Cirstea move inside the top 10 of the annual WTA seasonal race and put her among the in-form players going into the French Open later this month.

"I always said there's no expiration date for ambition and dreams," Cirstea said.

"I think everyone can see that I absolutely love this sport. I have so much passion for it.

"For me to play here and be in the semi-finals in Rome is absolutely amazing."

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