Raducanu exits Transylvania Open as illness and form issues reignite debate over her next coach

Emma Raducanu’s early 2026 struggles deepened in Romania as the former US Open champion bowed out of the Transylvania Open, raising renewed questions about her direction and the coaching path ahead.

Raducanu arrived in Cluj hoping to build momentum after a mixed start to the season. Instead, her campaign ended in disappointment as she fell short against a resurgent Sorana Cirstea, who was playing some of the best tennis of her career in front of an energised home crowd.

After the match, Raducanu admitted she had been dealing with illness throughout the week. She suggested the condition had affected her preparation and energy levels, though she stopped short of using it as an excuse. Even at full strength, the challenge would have been steep. Cirstea was in blistering form and gave her opponent little room to settle.

For Raducanu, the defeat continued a frustrating pattern. Promising flashes of quality have been interrupted by physical issues and early exits, leaving her still searching for rhythm and confidence on tour. Each loss adds to the scrutiny surrounding her team’s setup and the absence of a long-term coaching solution.

Cirstea, by contrast, enjoyed a week she described as unforgettable. After lifting the title in Cluj, the 35-year-old Romanian shared an emotional message on social media, calling it the best week of her life. She thanked fans for their support and spoke of her gratitude for the atmosphere that carried her through the tournament.

Her run was as dominant as it was emotional. Cirstea did not drop a single set all week, dispatching a strong field that included Kamilla Rachimova, Tamara Zidansek, Anastasia Potapova, Daria Snigur and Raducanu herself. The victory marked a major milestone late in her career and propelled her back into the top tier of the rankings.

Despite the triumph, Cirstea has chosen to withdraw from the Qatar Open, opting to rest after an intense week. Her scheduled first-round opponent will now face a lucky loser instead, as the Romanian looks to manage her workload following the title run.

Attention quickly turned back to Raducanu and what comes next. The British player is set to compete in Doha, where she will face Camila Osorio in the first round. Osorio was recently impressed by winning the Philippine Women’s Open and arrives with confidence and match sharpness.

Beyond the immediate fixture, wider questions remain. Raducanu has worked with multiple coaches since her breakthrough in 2021, often for short periods. While she has spoken openly about learning from each experience, the lack of continuity has become a recurring theme in discussions about her development.

Supporters continue to express hope that the 23-year-old can stabilise her team and rediscover the fearless tennis that once propelled her to the top. There is still admiration for her resilience and composure in defeat, even as expectations remain high.

For now, Raducanu’s focus is on regaining health and competing consistently. The results may not yet reflect her ambitions, but the season is still young. Whether a new coaching partnership emerges in the coming weeks could prove decisive in shaping the next chapter of her career.