MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Not only did 74th-ranked Sorana Cirstea of Romania upset World No. 2 Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka on Wednesday in a Miami Open quarterfinal to reach her first semifinal in a Masters 1000-level tournament in 10 years, she did it as one of the oldest women on the WTA Tour.
The 32-year-old Cirstea — turning 33 a week from Friday — is not exactly ancient, but her 6-4, 6-4 triumph over 24-year-old Sabalenka at Hard Rock Stadium in their first career meeting was evidence her game is getting stronger after winning three of her past four matches against top-four opponents. Sabalenka is the highest-ranked player Cirstea has defeated since turning pro in 2006.
“I had confidence in my game,” said Cirstea, who will advance to a Thursday semifinal over the Wednesday night winner of No. 18 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova vs. No. 15 Petra Kvitova. “I knew I was playing well and knew if I come out swinging and being aggressive I have my chance. This gives me a lot of confidence.’’
