British number one Emma Raducanu reached her first final since winning the US Open last year as she edged past Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova in a grueling three-set semi-final at the Transylvania Open.
The British No 1, playing in the fifth tour-level semi-final of her career, won the first set 7-5 before Oliynykova took control of the second, winning it 6-3 to level the match. However Raducanu bounced back to seal the win with a thrilling victory in the third set.
The victory marked an incredible achievement for Raducanu as she became just her fifth semi-finalist on tour and first since the US Open last year. Her triumph has set up a showdown with Romania's Sorana Cirstea in Saturday's final, live on Sky Sports Tennis from 2:30pm.
Raducanu described the match against Oliynykova as "brutal" before paying tribute to her opponent's fighting spirit and skill. She also credited herself for holding her nerve under pressure, particularly during a pivotal moment when she squandered three match points in the third set. Two beautifully-executed drop shots were key to turning the momentum in Raducanu's favor.
As she prepares to face Cirstea on Saturday, Raducanu said she is "most proud" of how she fought and competed throughout the semi-final against Oliynykova despite being exhausted from a recent four-match winning streak. Despite this, Raducanu remains focused, stating that "recovery" will be key for her in the lead-up to the final.
British number two Katie Boulter reached the fifth career final of her life with a dominant win over American Katie Volynets at the Ostrava Open, securing a spot against Tamara Korpatsch in Saturday's final from 3pm.
The British No 1, playing in the fifth tour-level semi-final of her career, won the first set 7-5 before Oliynykova took control of the second, winning it 6-3 to level the match. However Raducanu bounced back to seal the win with a thrilling victory in the third set.
The victory marked an incredible achievement for Raducanu as she became just her fifth semi-finalist on tour and first since the US Open last year. Her triumph has set up a showdown with Romania's Sorana Cirstea in Saturday's final, live on Sky Sports Tennis from 2:30pm.
Raducanu described the match against Oliynykova as "brutal" before paying tribute to her opponent's fighting spirit and skill. She also credited herself for holding her nerve under pressure, particularly during a pivotal moment when she squandered three match points in the third set. Two beautifully-executed drop shots were key to turning the momentum in Raducanu's favor.
As she prepares to face Cirstea on Saturday, Raducanu said she is "most proud" of how she fought and competed throughout the semi-final against Oliynykova despite being exhausted from a recent four-match winning streak. Despite this, Raducanu remains focused, stating that "recovery" will be key for her in the lead-up to the final.
British number two Katie Boulter reached the fifth career final of her life with a dominant win over American Katie Volynets at the Ostrava Open, securing a spot against Tamara Korpatsch in Saturday's final from 3pm.
What an epic comeback by Emma Raducanu!!! I mean, that semi-final was SO close, she could've easily lost it all! Three match points and then those two drop shots just changed everything 
She gave it her all and deservedly made it to the final. Cirstea's gonna be a tough opponent, but I'm rooting for Raducanu to bring home that W 
Those wins over Volynets and whoever she faces in the final are a testament to her skill and determination. Bring it on, Britain! 
. I mean, to be honest, I didn't even watch the whole match, but she must've been super exhausted from all those four-match wins in a row 
. Katie Boulter's doing alright too, made it to the Ostrava Open final 
, and those two drop shots were pure magic 
. I love how she's taking all the praise, too - it's not about her, it's about giving credit where credit is due to Oleksandra Oliynykova for an amazing fight 
. And now she gets to face Sorana Cirstea in the final... can't wait to see what happens! 
at least her opponent Oleksandra Oliynykova showed heart but couldn't keep up with the Brit 
Oh my gosh, I am literally so hyped for Emma Raducanu!!! 
. And now, a final against Sorana Cirstea on Saturday - bring it on! 
Can't wait to watch her shine again! 
and it's amazing to see her grow as a player 
. Her mental toughness is truly inspiring 
. Those drop shots were pure magic 
. And Congrats to Katie Boulter too 
, another Brit shining bright 
! I mean, she's had a pretty rough time on tour since her US Open win last year, but she just keeps coming back stronger and hungrier for success 
! Her mental toughness is seriously impressive - that moment when she had those three match points slipping away was literally the most intense thing I've ever read about 
... now I'm really hyped for her to take on Cirstea in the final! Can't wait to see who'll come out on top 
! she's like so dedicated to her game and its really paying off, i mean 4 match win streaks is crazy! anyway gotta root for her this sat against sorana cirstea 
...btw has anyone seen the ostrava open final? just watched britains katie boulter dominate katie volynets 
! Cirstea better bring her A-game on Saturday, this is gonna be a great final