“A magical night for me!”. Jaqueline Cristian’s announcement after defeating a five-time Grand Slam semifinalist

Jaqueline Cristian achieved a spectacular victory over American Madison Keys, world number 18, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, on Tuesday night, in the second round of the WTA 500 tournament in Charleston (South Carolina). endowed with total prizes of $922,573.

Jaqueline Cristian (25 years old, 83 WTA) prevailed after two hours and two minutes against the 2019 champion, ticking off one of the successes of her career. Keys (29 years old, 18 WTA) ended the match with 8 aces and 4 double faults, while the Romanian committed 5 double faults, but created 15 break chances, of which she succeeded in 6.

The only previous duel between Keys and Cristian took place in 2022, in the second round at the Australian Open, with the American winning 6-2, 7-5. For Jaqueline Cristian, it was her second win against a Top 20 opponent, after defeating Elena Rybakina in Doha in 2022, so the happiness was immense.

How Jaqueline Cristian turned the duel with Madison Keys, in Charleston

At the end, in the on-court interview, “JC” thanked the fans in the stands and explained how he managed to get back into the match, after the much better ranked opponent managed to win the first set.

“Thank you for staying up late to cheer us on. I heard many Romanians encouraging me, I am very happy that you stayed for this match. This night was magical for me, I think I played very, very well.

I was obviously expecting a very difficult match and I’m very happy that I managed to stay positive. Madison is an excellent player, but I had my mind set for a real battle. I was very focused on the job and the plan I had built with my team and I tried to hold on and enjoy this game“, said Jaqueline Cristian at the end

The Romanian secured a check for 11,190 dollars and 60 WTA points, going to play in the round of 16 against another American, Emma Navarro (seed number ten) or Katie Volynets.

In another match of the first round, the Romanian Gabriela Lee (former Talabă) was beaten by the American Ashlyn Krueger (19 years old, 73 WTA), with 7-6 (7/0), 6-3, after an hour and 43 minutes. Lee (28 years old, 312 WTA), coming from the qualifications, won with 5,540 dollars and 26 points. Ashlyn Krueger prevailed 6-2, 6-2 in their only previous meeting last year in the round of 16 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Also in the first round, Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto defeated Romanian Ana Bogdan 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (8/6).

Other results recorded Tuesday in Charleston: