AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 22, 2026

Sorana Cirstea

Press Conference

N. OSAKA/S. Cirstea

6-3, 4-6, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Sorana, unfortunate loss out there today. Do you want to start by talking us through the match and how you're feeling now.

SORANA CIRSTEA: Yeah, it was a tough match. I had my chances. First set I started good, 30-love or something in that game, a couple of chances that I did not take. And then of course at this level things change very, very quick. I was quite happy with the level in the second set, especially towards the end.

But then, yeah, couldn't really keep it. There were those long breaks, long break, one set all long break, 2-1. Broke the rhythm completely. Towards the end I didn't manage to do what I was supposed to do, and she finished much better, and towards the end she played much better than me.

Q. Tough luck. You haven't played Naomi before which is surprising because you've been on tour for a long time. What were your expectations for her for playing the big star and how was the reality of playing her tonight?

SORANA CIRSTEA: Yeah, I don't stress too much if it is someone I haven't played. I have been on tour for such a long time. I can adapt to any kind of game. It is no issue if I play someone new. Of course I get the tactic a bit from the coach. I've watched them. Like, after so many years and we kind of know each other a little bit. And then once I'm on the court I adapt. So things are normal. There is really no issue.

Of course if you've played someone, let's say, 10 times it a little bit gets more in your head. But, no, it wasn't any issue. Straightaway I could see what she was doing well, what I should have done, what was the plan for me.

So, again, I have a bit of experience and I will always tap into that whenever the chance is.

Q. Can you talk us through what happened at the end of the match with the handshake and obviously Naomi exchanged words afterwards and it looked like you weren't happy with something?

SORANA CIRSTEA: No, all good. We just had a chat. Nothing big. Again, I don't think that's the main thing after tonight match. Again, it was a good match. She was much better than me towards the end. Yeah, she deserved the win. So that's all I will say.

Q. It seemed like you were saying to her that she was saying C'mon at the wrong time and putting you off. Was that right, or...

SORANA CIRSTEA: I will not talk about that. Look, this is my last Australian Open. I have been playing for 20 years. It's more than going on than a five-second discussion at the end that I had with Naomi. This is my last Australian Open and so, yeah, I think the moments are bigger to me than to talk about a five-second chat I had with Naomi at the end.

Q. Can I ask if you and Naomi had a chance to speak after the match, or not?

SORANA CIRSTEA: Is this the big thing that happened tonight?

Q. A little dramatic I suppose.

SORANA CIRSTEA: No, there was no drama. It was just a five-second exchange between two players that have been on a tour for a long time. It stays between us.

I don't think that's -- again, for me this was my last match at the Australian Open, so I think I'll like to stay with that.

Q. I was going to follow-up: Just looking back on your 20 years, are there any happy memories that you would be happy to talk about tonight.

SORANA CIRSTEA: Yeah, of course. There are many happy memories. Yeah, I always loved playing here. Again, it's -- I love tennis. For me I never thought I would play for such a long time. I'm very, very grateful to have had such a long career. Of course, a little bit disappointed about tonight. I thought I could have done things better, but only one player can win, and she managed to do that better at the end.

No, again, I'm very, very grateful to Australia. I came here when I was 14 the first time playing juniors. So I have wonderful memories that will stay with me forever?

Q. Your decision to retire and to announce it, some players will wait till the end of the year to share it, what motivated your decision to share it with fans before you decided to hang up your racquet?

SORANA CIRSTEA: It is different the moment when it comes. It's different. For each of us it weights differently. For me I felt like it was the right thing to announce it. I wanted to.

I had a wonderful career, again. This is my 20th career. I started very young, I was 16 when I started on tour. I've had the wonderful years. I've absolutely loved tennis. I'm so grateful to everything it has given me.

I wanted to -- for this to be a chance for me to say a proper goodbye to all the tournaments that I've played, and also to the people that I've met along the way, and for the fans, the family, the friends to be next to me.

I know it's the right decision. Again, I never expected to play so long, but the last couple of years have been my happiest. I love the sport. I do it out of passion. This is the only thing that -- why I still play.

For me it felt like the right decision. I still stand by it. It's going to be an emotional year, but a very, very good year, I'm sure.

Q. This is obviously a sort of last Grand Slam for you in this whole cycle you're doing, so how were the emotions, I guess, as this match was ending? Did you feel a difference or emotion than you felt before in your career knowing this could be the end for the Australian Open for you?

SORANA CIRSTEA: Yeah, of course, it's been, like I said, 20 years since I've been coming here, every single January. Actually more, since I was 14.

So of course, towards the end I got a little bit emotional because I knew this may be possibly will be like the last time I'm stepping on court here.

It's not easy but, again, I do it with so much joy and so much passion. Nothing is forever, you know.

I think it's important in life also to know when to stop. Even if I'm playing good, I'm 30-something in the world, you know, I think for me it's been the right decision. I'll also look forward to life after tennis.

Again, the main thing is that I absolutely love this sport and I will forever be indebted to it and everything it has given me. It managed to help me reach my dreams, you know. Of course, it's emotional a little bit, but, as I said, it's going to be an emotional year. I knew it once I announced it.

Yeah, I'm going to try to deal with it but, of course, it's good emotions, you know, it's wonderful because at the end you only remember the good stuff.