​Sorana Kirstya missed out on qualifying for the WTA 1000 final in Dubai, but her solid performances have lifted her to 22nd in the world rankings. However, the Romanian will have a different coach in the next period.

Sorana KirsteaPhoto: Brad Penner/AP/Profimedia

>> WTA Dubai: Sorana Kirstea knocked out in semi-finals by Jasmine Paolini – misses six set points

Sorana Kirstea will have a new coach

While in Dubai, where she was one step away from the finals of the tournament, the Romanian announced the end of cooperation with the Swedish coach Thomas Johansson and clarified that she is currently training with the Dutchman Peter Wessels.

“Yes, I finished with Thomas Johansson after the Australian Open. I’ve worked with Peter Wessels every time I’ve been in Dubai, because now I’m in Dubai half the time. He is based here in Dubai.

After I came back from the Australian Open, I asked him if he could help me in Abu Dhabi and here in Dubai. It’s going very well. We have good chemistry. I’m so glad he’s in my house this week.

I currently have different settings for Indian Wells and Miami. It’s a bit more difficult with Peter as he lives here in Dubai. He works very hard. Let’s see what will happen in the future” – said Sorana Kirsteareports Eurosport.

It will be known after the match between Sorana Kirstea and Jasmine Paolini

  • Jasmin Paolini will fight for the Dubai trophy with the winner of Iga Svyatek (1 WTA) and Anna Kalinska (40 WTA).
  • For participating in the semifinals in Dubai, Kirstya will receive a check for $158,944 and 390 points in the WTA singles ranking.
  • Sorani needed a win against the Italian to move up to No. 15 in the WTA rankings, but she remains at No. 22 (the position she started in the United Arab Emirates). If Anna Kalinska triumphs in Dubai, the Romanian will drop to 23rd place.
  • On the other hand, Jasmine Paolini has scored 2350 points and is ranked 16th in the real-time leaderboard. If she wins the competition, the Italian will rise to 14th place (the highest was 24).
  • Jasmin leads 3-0 in head-to-head matches with Sorana. The Italian defeated the Romanian in Portorož-2021, Roland Garros-2023 and Dubai-2024.

>> Jasmine Paolini explained how she will try to defeat Sorana Kirstea in the WTA Dubai semi-finals

Sorana Cîrstea, the way from WTA Dubai

First round: 6-3, 7-6(2) vs. Sofia Kenin

II round: 6-1, 6-4 against Veronika Kudermetova

Best result: 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 against Donna Vekic

Quarters: 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-2 against Marketa Vondrousova

Semifinals: 2-6, (6)6-7 vs Jasmine Paolini.