Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea capped off a dream week in Cleveland by lifting the Tennis in the Land 2025 women’s singles trophy. The 35-year-old qualifier defeated Ann Li of the United States with a composed performance, sealing the match 6–2, 6–4 in just over 90 minutes.
Cîrstea, who entered the main draw through qualifying, played fearless tennis throughout the tournament. Her aggressive baseline game and tactical variety proved too much for her opponents, and she did not drop a single set on her way to the title.
This victory is especially historic for Cîrstea—it marks her third career WTA singles title and her first on hard courts since 2008. The win also serves as a huge confidence boost as she heads into the US Open.
For Ann Li, reaching the final was an impressive achievement. The American fought hard in front of the home crowd but was unable to match Cîrstea’s consistency and experience in the decisive moments.
With her triumph in Cleveland, Cîrstea reminds the tennis world of her enduring quality and ability to rise to the occasion, even as a qualifier against younger competition.
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