Emma Raducanu may play under the British flag, but in Cluj-Napoca this week, it was her Romanian roots that took center stage-and the crowd loved every second of it.
After cruising to a commanding 6-0, 6-4 win over Greet Minnen in the opening round of the Transylvania Open, Raducanu didn’t just let her tennis do the talking. She grabbed the mic and addressed the home crowd in Romanian, drawing a roar of approval from the stands. It was a small moment, but one that resonated deeply, especially in a tournament that means a lot to local fans-and to Romanian tennis legend Simona Halep, who was courtside smiling as Raducanu spoke.
It wasn’t just a nice gesture. It was a reminder of how deeply connected Raducanu is to the country through her father, Ion, who hails from Bucharest.
And while she may have joked about her Romanian being a little “rusty,” the crowd didn’t seem to mind one bit. In fact, they erupted with applause, clearly touched by the effort and authenticity.
Halep, a two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, now serving as an honorary ambassador for the tournament, looked genuinely delighted by the moment. It was a passing-of-the-torch kind of scene-one of Romania’s greatest watching a new generation, with shared roots, making her mark.
This win was more than just a feel-good moment, though. For Raducanu, it was a much-needed step forward.
The 23-year-old came into the Transylvania Open looking to regroup after a disappointing second-round exit at the Australian Open, where she fell to Anastasia Potapova in straight sets. That loss was followed by another shake-up in her coaching situation, parting ways with Francis Roig-her ninth coach since turning pro.
The coaching carousel has been a constant subplot in Raducanu’s young career, and while she’s still searching for long-term stability in that department, her performance in Cluj was a reminder of the raw talent that made her a Grand Slam champion at just 18. Against Minnen, she looked sharp, composed, and in control-particularly in a dominant first set where she didn’t drop a single game.
At her best, Raducanu plays with a blend of precision and poise that belies her age. And while the search for consistency-both in results and in her support team-continues, moments like this show she’s still very much a player worth watching.
She now moves into the second round of the WTA 250 event with momentum and the kind of crowd support that can make a real difference. In a tournament that celebrates Romanian tennis, Raducanu’s presence feels fitting.
She’s not just visiting-she’s connecting. And if her tennis continues to match the energy she brought to that post-match interview, this could be the start of a strong run in Cluj.