Sorana Cîrstea reaches Cincinnati Open round of 16 after opponent retires

Sorana Cîrstea secured her spot in the Cincinnati Open's round of 16 following a challenging match against Anna Kalinskaya. The Romanian player advanced when Kalinskaya retired at a score of 6-7 (4), 6-1, 5-0, citing medical problems.

The match was significantly disrupted, experiencing three separate interruptions due to rain. Play began evenly, with both players, familiar with each other from their doubles partnership, exchanging breaks. Cîrstea initially led 5-3 in the first set, but Kalinskaya fought back to force a tiebreak, which she won 7-6. Another rain delay followed shortly after.

Upon resumption, Cîrstea found her rhythm, winning six consecutive games in the second set to level the match at 6-1. A third rain delay occurred, but the players opted to continue the same day. Cîrstea maintained her aggressive play, winning 11 games in a row. In the deciding set, she led 5-0 when Kalinskaya called for a physio and was unable to continue, leading to her retirement.

Cîrstea is set to play the winner of the match between Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula in the next round.