Raducanu Reaches Second Career Final in Romania

British star overcomes tough challenge from Ukraine's Oliynykova to set up title match with local favorite Cîrstea.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Emma Raducanu has booked her place in just the second final of her career after grinding out a tough three-set win over Oleksandra Oliynykova at the Transylvania Open in Romania. The British number one had to dig deep to get past her Ukrainian opponent, who kept Raducanu off balance with a mix of slices, lobs, and the occasional power shot. Raducanu praised Oliynykova's crafty and athletic play, citing two key moments where she was able to regain control of the match. The 23-year-old also provided an update on her fitness, acknowledging that she felt tired after the physically demanding three-hour battle.

Why it matters

This final appearance marks a significant milestone for Raducanu, who burst onto the scene with her stunning US Open triumph in 2021 but has since struggled to replicate that success at the tour level. Reaching a second career final, especially on the heels of a string of semifinal defeats, will be a major confidence boost for the young British star as she continues to establish herself among the elite players on the women's tour.

The details

Raducanu had to overcome a tough challenge from Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova, who kept the match close for much of the three-set battle with her mix of slices, lobs, and power shots. The British player cited two key moments where she was able to regain control - at 3-1 in the second set, and after being broken to trail 2-1 in the third set, when she lost eight straight points. Raducanu also noted that the fresh balls played into her favor late in the match, as shots that Oliynykova would normally make with the older balls were starting to miss.

  • Emma Raducanu reached her second career final on February 7, 2026.

The players

Emma Raducanu

A 23-year-old British professional tennis player who rose to fame by winning the 2021 US Open as a qualifier, becoming the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam singles title.

Oleksandra Oliynykova

A Ukrainian professional tennis player who pushed Raducanu to three sets in the Transylvania Open semifinal with her crafty and athletic style of play.

Sorana Cîrstea

A Romanian professional tennis player who will face Raducanu in the Transylvania Open final, making it a highly anticipated matchup for the local crowd.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, what a match, it was a proper battle, such a tricky opponent, just made so many balls, played in a way that, you know, isn't very common. You don't face that very much.”

— Emma Raducanu (Yahoo Sports)

“Shots that she would normally make with the old ones; they were late or missing by then.”

— Emma Raducanu (Yahoo Sports)

“Now yeah [it does], feel pretty tired. Obviously played three hours today really tough physically moved so much but also when you're playing four matches in straight succession not something done much before but feeling this pain? Sweet reward being here finals makes every bit worth while.”

— Emma Raducanu (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Raducanu will face local favorite Sorana Cîrstea in the Transylvania Open final on February 9, 2026.

The takeaway

Raducanu's hard-fought victory over Oliynykova demonstrates her resilience and ability to adapt to challenging playing styles, a key skill as she continues to establish herself among the top players on the women's tour. Reaching her second career final, especially in front of a passionate home crowd in Romania, will be a significant boost to her confidence and momentum as she looks to capture her first title since her historic US Open triumph.