E43 - Sorana Cirstea

Solana Cirstea spent 20 years chasing the biggest dreams in tennis — No.1, Grand Slams, perfection.

Now, she opens up about pressure, regret, joy, and why 2026 will be her final year…

One of the rawest mindset conversations ever on Tennis Insider Club.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS

01:40 – How her father pushed her into tennis from age 4

05:10 – Becoming a top junior and breaking into WTA at 16

07:20 – The crash after the French Open quarterfinal run

10:00 – Struggling with expectations & “learning how to lose”

11:50 – The injury that changed everything at 25

13:10 – Shifting from results obsession to joy & process

17:00 – Why knowing “why you play” changes everything

23:00 – Handling wins/losses: staying emotionally steady

25:00 – Discovering balance, friendships & life outside tennis

33:30 – Playing through pain & the mental toll

35:00 – Why 2026 will be her final season

37:00 – Making peace with not becoming No.1

43:00 – “What you’re complaining about is someone’s dream”

54:00 – Juniors vs pros: the myth of early success

56:00 – School, development & advice for parents

58:30 – Generational changes on tour

01:02:00 – How the game evolved & the new WTA level

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Which part of Sorana’s story resonated the most with you?

This episode is presented in partnership with Hologic, global leader in women’s health.

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