Sorana Cîrstea and Maddison Inglis compete in the first round of the WTA 500 at Queen’s. The Romanian leads the third set 1-0. The clash on the London grass was interrupted by rain on two occasions.
The match started at around 1:10 pm local time. Cîrstea, 18th in the ranking, faces the Australian from qualifying. The game has been marked by interruptions and alternation of dominance in the sets.
Cirstea dominates the first set
The Romanian broke her opponent’s serve at the right moment. She closed the opening set 6-4.
Inglis pressed at times. Cîrstea remained calm and took advantage of her opportunities. The experience of the world number 18 made a difference in the decisive points.
Rain delays the duel in London
The confrontation stopped shortly after the first point. The players left the court.
The interruption lasted about an hour. The rain fell again later and forced another break. The organizers waited for the weather to improve before resuming.
Inglis turns the second set
The Australian grew in the second set. She won 7-5 after alternating breaks.
Cîrstea led in some games. Inglis reacted with good serves and took advantage of the Romanian’s mistakes. The set ended with the Australian closing on set point.
Match timeline
- Cîrstea opened the second set with a solid game.
- Inglis confirms serve and draws.
- Australian breaks and takes 2-1.
- Cîrstea suffers from unforced errors.
- Inglis keeps serve and extends to 4-1.
- Romanian reacts and breaks, but Australian responds.
- Cîrstea wins crucial game at 2-4.
- Long game with the Romanian falling.
- Inglis closes the set at 7-5.
- Third set resumes with Cîrstea winning the first game.
Third set defines classification
Cîrstea started the decisive set with strength. She leads 1-0. The game remains open.
The Romanian arrived with good results on clay. She reached semi-finals in Rome and quarter-finals at Roland Garros. The grass represents a new challenge this season.
Inglis, number 141, is looking for a surprise against a favorite. The two have never faced each other before.
Other results of the round
Jaqueline Cristian advanced. The Romanian beat Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng 6-4, 7-6.
Cristian will face the winner between Katie Boulter and Leylah Fernandez in the next phase. Cîrstea could catch Emma Raducanu in the round of 16 if she advances.
The Queen’s organization prepares the women’s bracket sequence. The tournament marks the start of the grass season.
- Sorana Cîrstea (18th in the ranking)
- Maddison Inglis (141st in the ranking)
- First set: 6-4 for Cîrstea
- Second set: 7-5 for Inglis
- Third set: 1-0 for Cîrstea
- Rain interruptions: two
- Start time: around 1:10 pm
