Sorana Cîrstea (36, WTA number 26) trained at the legendary Santiago Bernabeu stadium, home of Real Madrid, in anticipation of her match against Coco Gauff at the Madrid Open.
Ideal Start in Madrid
Cîrstea began her Madrid Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Tyra Caterina Grant, 6-2, 7-6 (5). Her next challenge is against world number 3, Coco Gauff, who has defeated her in their two previous matches.
Training at the Bernabeu
Leading up to Sunday’s match, Cîrstea prepared on a practice court set up inside the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Cîrstea shared photos and a video clip of herself practicing some shots.
Wearing a two-piece turquoise outfit of leggings and a t-shirt, Cîrstea received a compliment from fellow player Belinda Bencic of Switzerland. Bencic, ranked 12th in the world, wrote “Body goals”.
Cîrstea Anticipates a Complicated Match
Before facing Coco Gauff, Cîrstea told GSP that she expects “a complicated match.”
“I know her quite well tactically, and she knows me, of course. I know she plays a bit better on clay, so it will surely be a difficult match. She likes the conditions here, she moves extremely well, she serves well. At the same time, we’ll see how I will be. I wish I had more days of training here, to get used to the conditions,” the Romanian added.