Emma Raducanu issues apology after suffering heavy defeat in first final since 2021 US Open win

Emma Raducanu missed out on a second career title as she was well beaten by Sorana Cirstea in the Transylvania Open final.

The British No. 1 was playing in her first final since her 2021 US Open victory, but lost 6-0, 6-2 on Saturday afternoon.

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Raducanu was on court for just over an hour against home favourite Cirstea in Cluj-Napoca.

It followed a gruelling three-hour semi-final triumph over Oleksandra Oliynykova less than 24 hours before.

Tiredness appeared to get the better of Raducanu against Cirstea, but she can take positives from her overall tournament performance.

She also received plenty of support from the crowd, as her father, Ion, is Romanian.

Raducanu delivers classy speech

“I want to thank the public, for sure,” she said during her speech. “You really made me feel at home this week, so thank you.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t bring my best today, but congratulations as well to Sorana.

“You’ve had an incredible week, and I think you’re playing great tennis. I don’t know if this is your last tournament here in Cluj, but I know if it was me, I’d be out on a high! So, congrats for everything.”

Raducanu added: “Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve given one of these speeches.

“I also want to thank Alexis [Canter, coach] and the people back home who have supported me throughout the last few years.

“It’s been like four or five years since my last final, so it means a lot, and I’m really happy that it’s here in Cluj.”

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Raducanu announced another change of coach towards the end of January as she parted with Francisco Roig.

The 23-year-old started working with Rafael Nadal’s former coach in August, but they reached a mutual decision to split.

It came days after she lost to Anastasia Potapova in the second round of the Australian Open.

However, her route to the Transylvania Open final will offer hope of a strong 2026 season.

Her only previous appearance at the tournament came in a run to the quarter-finals at the inaugural edition in 2021.

Raducanu now sits 25th in the WTA rankings.