Sorana Cirstea vs. Jelena Ostapenko | 2026 Rome Quarterfinal | WTA Match Highlights

Torana Kosteja, finding herself in the latter stage of her career, flourishing to begin the year. Yelena Ostapenko, a major champion on this surface, champion of Roland Garros. And she had a rough start to 2026, but she's back in fine form once again in Rome. Picture with them, both directions after Quentos. Would you like to choose hats or tails? Tails. Tails has been called. Hats. And stay. Picture, please. Held it low to start. First things first, we said she served well. Yes, she did. She won 92% of her first circle. Torana Kosteja making quick work of the opening set. No problems at all with Yelena Ostapenko in their eighth meeting. Kosteja's won three of the last four. 26 minutes to take six of seven games. They're trying to stay on Ostapenko from the very start at the second. And that's very telling right there. And a fine finish, yeah, just crossing over, rolling away. Ostapenko has her second hole. And Ostapenko, as mentioned, she can eat up quickly. She was minus eight in the opening frame. And back-to-back holes for the first time. And Ostapenko once again. That was a good choice from Ostapenko. Oh, that's great. She got a little bit further behind the baseline, but repositioned her. Ostapenko. Kudos to Kosteja. And Kosteja. And she pitches a shutout when it matters most. Torana Kosteja. Down a break twice in the second set. Pulls off a straight set win. That's four out of five against Yelena Ostapenko after dropping her first three. And for the 36-year-old, elation in the Eternal City. The rejuvenated Romanian continues her tore and tear through the start of 2026 as she dismisses Ostapenko for her 25th win of the year. Welcome to your first Rome semi-finals. I can't say that age is just a number, but as you told me yesterday, experience counts so much in this sport. So, with your experience, how much are you enjoying this deep run here in Roma? Yes, I always said there is no expiration date for ambition and dreams. And I think everyone can see that I absolutely love this sport. I have so much passion for it. And for me, to play here and be in the semi-finals in Rome, it's absolutely amazing. And again, I'm so grateful to the sport. And I'm just really, really enjoying my week in Rome so far. There is no expiration date for inspiration and determination. Dreams can always come true. She is very happy to play here in Rome in front of you. She is really enjoying this wonderful time. You have beaten three very powerful players, Ostapenko, Noskova and, of course, Sabalenka. So, what's your key to deactivate their powerful game? Yes, absolutely. I think today Elena, she's a very tough opponent, very tricky. She doesn't give you any rhythm. So, I knew that if I want to win today, I have to be aggressive. But again, at this level, you have to have everything. You need to be able to play aggressive, defend, run, serve, return. It doesn't really work without any of this. So, again, very, very happy to be in the semi-final. And I just hope I can keep going. Obviously, she wants to continue this race. How do you manage to deactivate the game of powerful players like Ostapenko? Well, definitely with aggressiveness. But this is all good. Responding, serving, running around the pitch. Doing very well. Can I ask you just some words in Italian? Thank you very much. Bye everyone. Whatever you want. Thank you everyone. I speak Spanish. Thank you. See you tomorrow.