Japan Open: Sorana Cirstea Overpowers Katie Boulter as Naomi Osaka Advances Injured
Romanian star Sorana Cirstea cruised past Britain’s Katie Boulter in an alternate-round showdown at the Japan Open, claiming a decisive 6- 3, 6- 1 win in Osaka.
The clash saw Cirstea, presently ranked 51st in the world, assert dominance over Boulter, who sits at 59th, in just over an hour.
From the onset, Cirstea attacked relentlessly. She broke Boulter’s serve three times within the first four games, snappily erecting a 3- 1 advantage. Her aggressive approach and harmonious birth play left Boulter floundering to find meter.
The first set slipped down snappily for the British player, pressing Cirstea’s polished perfection and internal sharpness.
Match in Numbers
- Duration: 1 hour 9 minutes
- First Set: 6-3
- Second Set: 6-1
- Cirstea Ranking: 51
- Boulter Ranking: 59
Cirstea surged ahead, contending to a 5- 0 lead in the alternate set. Boulter compactly fought back, breaking serve to make it 5- 1, but she couldn’t maintain instigation. One final break from Cirstea sealed the match.
In straight sets @sorana_cirstea makes it to the last eight in Osaka after beating Boulter.#JapanOpen pic.twitter.com/SZfEoU20UR
— wta (@WTA) October 15, 2025
“This was a tough match, but I stayed focused and executed my game plan,” Cirstea said post-match.
Cirstea’s palm secures her place in the quarter-finals and reinforces her character as a strong contender on hard courts. Boulter, who stunned world number 17 Linda Noskova in the opening round, faced a far sterner test against the educated Romanian.
Meanwhile, original favorite Naomi Osaka advanced despite battling through an injury, further enhancing the limelight on the Japan Open as the event continues to showcase thrilling tennis action.
Cirstea now looks ahead to her quarter-final clash, carrying the confidence of a player in top form. For Boulter, the trip ends then, but the lessons learned will be precious for forthcoming events.
