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