On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Sorana Cirstea has been a constant presence on the WTA Tour for many years. After a brief hiatus from professional tennis, she is returning to the 2025 season with optimism, looking to make an impact on the circuit.
Currently competing at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, Cirstea is aiming to put on impressive displays in the country she now calls home.
Cirstea's career
Known for her powerful forehand and aggressive baseline play, Cirstea has been a force on the court since turning professional in 2006. The Romanian, who started playing tennis at four years old, has two singles and five doubles titlesto her name.
She reached a career-high ranking of 21 in 2013 and has earned multiple wins over top-10 players. Her best Grand Slam performance came when she reached the quarterfinals. Now back on tour after recovering from injury, she is eager to make the most of 2025.
Her relationship with Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships
Speaking to The National, Cirstea reflected on her first time playing in Dubai and how much has changed since then.
"I still remember the first time I was here with my coach and mum, and I have amazing memories. I remember I was mesmerized back then in 2009 with Dubai and everything it has to offer. Fast forward, and now I live here; this is my home tournament, and I stay at home during the tournament. It's amazing."
Cirstea, who received a wildcard into this year's main draw, also expressed gratitude to the event organisers for their commitment to women's tennis.
"You never know where life takes you, but I'm very happy life took me to Dubai. I need to thank the organizers for their commitment to women's tennis, for 25 years of improvements, and every year trying to offer the best for us. This has to be one of my favorite tournaments on tour, not just because it's home, but everything they're trying to offer us."
Memorable moments in Dubai
One of her most unforgettable moments at the tournament came when football legend Diego Maradona joined her at the pre-match coin toss.
"I didn't know he was going to be there, but then they announced that Diego Maradona was going to do the coin toss. I was so nervous, and I was more nervous about the coin toss than the actual match," Cirstea said.
"I remember he stayed and watched the match. I remember it like it was yesterday. Life goes by quickly, so it's essential to enjoy every moment and day and make the most of it. I've definitely had great memories from here, especially last year, making the semifinals, having all my family watching me, and having all the support from the Romanian fans. It felt amazing."
Returning from injury
Cirstea also spoke about her recovery from injury and how it has changed her perspective.
"It wasn't easy, but I knew I didn't want to retire on an injury. So I made the effort to have the surgery, to do all four months of rehab," she explained.
"It's not easy, especially being away and watching the girls compete, wanting to compete, and loving tennis – I love to play. For me, this is the main thing; I still feel the butterflies and love for tennis and the competition.
"Now I can say that I am healthy. It's been amazing. I didn't think I'd ever be able to play without pain. It was a tough eight months, but I'm grateful to be here today and to compete again."
Cirstea is a great competitor, and it will be exciting to see what 2025 has in store for her as she continues her comeback on the WTA Tour. It's always difficult for an athlete to come back from such big injury. Seeing how Cirstea is going to fair will be very interesting.
Sorana Cirstea moves on into R2 in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/I4DjeUhA81
— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) February 17, 2025
More must-reads:
- NFL Draft intel: Big Ten QB's elite arm turning heads among scouts
- Hero RB explained: Top fantasy football targets for 2025
- The 'MLB franchise home run leaders' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Brewers officially have a legit MVP candidate
On Tuesday night, the Milwaukee Brewers extended their winning streak to 11 games, and a key part of the team's momentum is a player who is in the National League MVP race. The red-hot Brewers entered Tuesday night facing one of the biggest threats to their winning streak, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes. Milwaukee torched Skenes for two home runs and four earned runs in 4.0 innings pitched. Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn added extra damage in the sixth inning with a three-run home run that increased Milwaukee's lead to 12-0. Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Vaughn is in the NL MVP race after his home run on Tuesday night. "Andrew Vaughn suddenly in top 10 NL MVP discussion with another 3-run HR, giving him 32 RBI since joining the Brewers," Nightengale posted on X. "He is the gift that keeps on giving from the White Sox. They are about to go 24-4 since his arrival." Vaughn has helped the Brewers overrun and then take a commanding lead on the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Following their 14-0 win Tuesday night, the Brewers extended their lead to 7.5 games over the Cubs for first place. Vaughn is turning out to be a steal for the Brewers, as Milwaukee only gave up veteran pitcher Aaron Civale and cash considerations for the first baseman on June 13. While Vaughn might have a case to be in the top 10, he has much work before he becomes a legitimate contender for the NL MVP. Per FanDuel, Los Angeles Dodgers star slugger Shohei Ohtani leads the race with -20000 odds. Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber is second with +1800 odds. Those two players have been more consistent this season, whereas Vaughn has come on strong since leaving Chicago.
Steelers Make Strange Change to Depth Chart
The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their second depth chart of the preseason, and it includes quite an interesting development as it pertains to the offensive line. 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu, as expected, remains the starter at right tackle, but three-time Pro Bowler Andrus Peat has slotted in as the second-string option at the position. Peat signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last week as the team looked to bolster their depth up front. The fact that he's rather far up the depth chart isn't the surprising part, though: it's his position. Throughout his 10-year career, Pro Football Focus has charted Peat as lining up at right tackle for just 78 snaps, with all of them coming during his rookie season with the New Orleans Saints in 2015. The 31-year-old has primarily played left guard, logging 4,469 total reps there according to PFF, and he was among the league's top interior linemen during his prime. Peat's racked up 1,959 reps at left tackle, meaning he's not a stranger to the tackle position, but switching sides takes some time to get used to. After joining the Steelers last week, he told reporters that he's ready to work on adapting to right tackle and will play there if the team needs him to. “It’s definitely something you gotta work on, especially if you’ve played there your whole career,” Peat said. “But I feel like if I needed to, I could play on the right.” Peat got plenty of playing time during Pittsburgh's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Saturday, recording 21 snaps at left tackle and allowing a pressure. With some lingering concerns regarding Broderick Jones' performance and the health of Fautanu after dislocating his kneecap early in his rookie year, adding Peat to the mix was a sensible move for the Steelers. It's certainly interesting that he's listed as the top backup at right tackle considering he has almost zero prior professional experience there, but as a veteran with an impressive track record in the NFL, it appears Pittsburgh is confident that Peat can learn quickly and become a quality reserve option at the position.
Dolphins-Lions Joint Practice #2 Recap
Dolphins-Lions Joint Practice #2 Recap The Miami Dolphins held their 2nd joint practice against the Detroit Lions on Thursday. Here is what took place on the field from our “mole” who is on site. Tyreek Hill has an oblique injury and did not practice today Zach Sieler did not practice today, and doesn’t appear to be injury-related Chop Robinson returned to practice after suffering a rib injury yesterday that caused him to be carted off the field Tua Tagovailoa hit Erik Ezukanma for a touchdown in the 1-on-1 drills Tua also hit Jaylen Waddle for a touchdown in the 1-on-1 drills Zach Wilson threw touchdowns to Tarik Black and Tajh Washington in the same drills once he got on the field Aiden Hutchinson sacked Tua Jordyn Brooks had a tackle for a loss on a play Ethan Bonner broke up a pass Ifeatu Melifonwu broke up a pass intended for Jameson Williams Rock Ya-Sin of the Lions punched Patrick Paul in the helmet. Paul walked away Tua hit Jaylen Waddle for roughly 9 yards on a Bubble Screen play Amon-Ra St. Brown beat Cornell Armstrong for a TD Lions LB Alex Anzalone swatted down a Tua pass Willie Gay Jr and Jordan Phillips had a tackle for loss on a running play Jaylen Wright had a big run on a play Tua hit Dee Eskridge for roughly 25-30 yards on a pass play Jameson Williams beat Storm Duck for a TD Jarod Goff hit Jameson Williams for a deep TD pass A fight between the Dolphins’ Defense and the Lions’ Offense was quickly broken up Minkah Fitzpatrick sacked Goff Dee Eskridge with a beautiful TD reception over Lions defender DJ Reed Zach Wilson hit Andrew Armstrong for a nice reception Minkah Fitzpatrick sacked Jarod Goff Zach Wilson threw a 2-yard TD to RB Mike Boone Tua threw a 50+ yard pass that was overthrown and went off Waddle’s hands Dolphins safety John Saunders Jr. forced a fumble in the red zone Jaylen Wright with a 10-yard run on a play Tua to Malik Washington for 8 yards Minkah Fitzpatrick and David Montgomery had a big collision on a play; neither was injured Aaron Shampklin had a 5 yard touchdown run for the Dolphins on a play Zach Wilson hit Theo Wease Jr for a 20 yard reception
Chiefs get positive update on Rashee Rice's potential suspension
The Kansas City Chiefs may have their primary pass-catcher on the field to start the 2025 season. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the date for Rashee Rice's disciplinary hearing with the NFL has been set to Sept. 30. That makes him available for the first four weeks of the campaign. Nevertheless, as NFL insider Mike Florio notes, the Chiefs might be in a bit of a hurry to resolve this, as they don't want it to drag further into the season. "An agreement as to a punishment under the Personal Conduct Policy can be reached at any time," wrote Florio. "If it doesn’t happen, the hearing will transpire. Depending on the time necessary for a final decision and any appeal, Rice could be available for roughly half of the season, before a suspension would commence." This essentially means that if both parties can't reach a resolution soon, Rice could be suspended late into the season or even in the playoffs. However, he likely won't face a lengthy suspension, and could be looking at a 4-6 game ban, based on prior similar incidents. Rice pleaded guilty to multiple felonies after his involvement in a multi-car crash in Texas in 2024. He then suffered a season-ending leg injury just four games into his second year in the league. Rice is projected to be quarterback Patrick Mahomes' primary weapon in the passing game after his breakout rookie season. Second-year pro Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown will round out the receiving room.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
