After a surprise exit in the first round of the WTA Ţiriac Foundation Trophy, Sorana Kirstja explained why she will not return to the Romanian Billie Jean King Cup (formerly FedCup) team.

Sorana Kirstea Photo: George Walker/Icon Sportswire/Profimedia

“The report doesn’t lie” – Sorana Kirstea, nearing the end of her tennis career

Having reached the age of 32, Sorana has announced that she is approaching retirement and that she will focus on personal projects in the latter part of her career.

“Horia Tekeu tried to convince me to come back, but my decision to resign will remain unchanged. I’ve been playing in the Fed Cup since I was 14-15 and it’s always been a joy, but I’m at the end of my career and it’s normal to focus on personal projects.

I feel that I have fulfilled my duty. I don’t have 10 years of career ahead of me, maybe even 5, even if I feel good. I’m at the end of my career, it’s real. I didn’t set myself a deadline. I will play as long as I feel good and I will be there, in the top 30-40. I don’t know in how many years I will retire, but this is reality, the bulletin does not lie” – Sorana Kirsteaquoted by Agerpres.

Why Bucharest does not organize important tennis tournaments

“I am glad to hold the tournament in Bucharest again, it means a lot for women’s tennis, for past generations. We want them to grow to at least 250, maybe even 500. I know Mr. Ion Cyriac is trying, but the problem is where to organize such a big tournament. We’re rooting for the 125 here, but a 250 or 500 tour is out of the question. The main thing is to find a base where to organize” – Sorana Kirstea.

Sorana Kirstea has been eliminated from the WTA Țiriac Foundation Trophy tournament

The WTA Țiriac Foundation Trophy was without top favourite, Sorana Kirstja, who was knocked out in the first round by Simona Waltert, who is ranked 118th in the world.

Kirstya lost in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, after a match that lasted one hour and 29 minutes.

After Sorana’s elimination, Iryna Begu became the main favorite remaining in the competition of the WTA 125 category from Bucharest.

The Tiriac Foundation Trophy offers a total of $115,000 in prize money and 160 WTA ranking points for the champion. The competition is held on clay at the National Tennis Center in Bucharest.