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Emma Raducanu did not need to resort to garlic or crucifixes in the end, but it might have made her life easier if she had. The Briton will contest her first final since the 2021 US Open on Saturday after finally finding a way past “bat girl” Oleksandra Oliynykova in a hugely tense semi-final at the Transylvania Open, lasting almost three hours.
Raducanu, the world No 30 and the tournament’s top seed, eventually prevailed 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 against the heavily tattooed Oliynykova, who has been sporting extra ink on her face this week in the shape of various small bats, a nod to Transylvania’s most famous export. But the 23-year-old so nearly lost her fifth straight semi-final since that astonishing win at Flushing Meadows 41/2 years ago.
Oleksandra Oliynykova with extra ink on her face in the shape of various small bats
From a set and a break up, Raducanu, who struggled throughout to find any rhythm in the face of Oliynykova’s maddening mixture of “moon balls” and sliced forehands, shipped five games in a row as the match went to a decider. She then went a break down at the start of the third set before somehow finding a way back, taking victory on her fourth match point. It was an early contender for most bonkers match of the season.
“What an incredible match, all props to Oli [Oliynykova], she played incredible and made it so tricky to put any ball past her,” said Raducanu, whose father comes from Romania and who was cheered throughout by the locals. “I’m most proud of how I competed, came back in the third set, I don’t know if I could’ve done it without everyone’s support. I really feel like I’m at home here, thank you so much everyone.
“When the ‘haides’ [‘come on’ in Romanian] come out it means I’m getting really gritty. I’m really happy with how I came through this.”
Raducanu will face Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea, who defeated Daria Snigur in straight sets. But having finally reached a final – albeit in a WTA 250 event in which she is the highest ranked player – she will hope this frees her up to go all the way now.
Raducanu has always seemed as much a victim as a beneficiary of that stunning win in New York five years ago. It set the bar impossibly high for a player whose telegenic looks and multilingual skills – Raducanu’s victory speech in Romanian after this match echoed the one she gave in Mandarin after her win at Flushing Meadows – won her a legion of sponsors her game did not yet merit.
Every defeat, every injury setback, every change of coach – Rafael Nadal’s old coach Francis Roig was the latest to depart after just six months – was seen as proof she was not living up to her potential. Even her victories have not been good enough.
After she won on Thursday, former men’s world No 1 Boris Becker responded witheringly on X to one journalist who suggested Raducanu was playing well and noted she would be contesting her fifth WTA semi-final. “That’s it?” asked the German.
Raducanu should have won this match more easily. Oliynykova is ranked inside the world’s top 100 but her win against Chinese fourth seed Wang Xinyu in her quarter-final was her first against a top-50 opponent and this was her first WTA Tour semi-final. However, there were signs right from the off that the “bat girl” might prove a pain in the neck for Raducanu.
Raducanu’s cleaner ball-striking and fewer errors eventually saw her break her opponent at 4-4 in the first set and the 23-year-old served out to love. But after going 3-1 up at the start of the second set, Raducanu lost focus. Her first-serve percentage dropped, her unforced error count crept up and three breaks of serve in four service games allowed Oliynykova, showing Dracula-like powers of resurrection and hitting endless moon balls, to level at one set all.
The deciding set, for which Raducanu changed her outfit, was a mad, see-sawing affair. Raducanu went a break down, then won four games on the trot (including a run of 16 straight points at one stage) to go 5-2 up, before stuttering again when trying to close the match out. Raducanu lost three match points at 0-40 on the Oliynykova serve at 5-2 before finally closing out victory.
With Katie Boulter making the final of the Ostrava Open, beating world No 96 Katie Volynets 6-1, 6-3 in the Czech Republic, Saturday will mark the first time two British women contest WTA-level singles finals on the same day.
Meanwhile, after winning his comeback match on Thursday, Britain’s men’s No1 Jack Draper opted to pull out of the Davis Cup qualifier against Norway in Oslo.
Leon Smith’s side advanced regardless and will face either Australia or Ecuador in the second round in September.
“I was proud to represent my country in the Davis Cup this weekend,” Draper said in a statement. “While I am feeling positive about how my recovery is going I have been advised not to rush straight out and potentially compete in back-to-back matches in Rotterdam next week. As disappointed as I am not to be back out there, overall I am trending in the right direction. Thanks for all your support.”
06:27pm
Potential final opponents
The second semi-final is under way. Raducanu will face either home favourite Sorana Cirstea, the world no. 36, or Ukrainean 144 Daria Snigur. Bearing in mind today’s opponent is world no. 91, the former will represent a big challenge.
Telegraph Sport will provide coverage of the final tomorrow. Worth keeping an eye out for Katie Boulter too, who plays in the Ostrava Open final tomorrow as well.
Thank you very much for following a big day for British tennis with us!
06:21pm
Or this?
Raducanu changed outfits between sets two and three. Seems it helped improve her fortunes.
Sky Sports Tennis
Sky Sports Tennis
06:18pm
The difference maker?
Unforced errors the real difference maker, Raducanu with 44 while Oliynykova hit 61. The Ukrainian won the winners stat 37-26!
06:17pm Reaction
Post-match reaction by Raducanu:
What an incredible match, all props to Oli [Oliynykova], she played incredible and made it so tricky to put any ball past her.
I’m most proud of how I competed, came back third set, I don’t know if I could’ve done it without everyone’s support. I really feel like I’m at home here, thank you so much everyone.
When the “haides” [“come on” in Romanian] come out it means I’m getting really gritty. I’m really happy with how I came through this.
Another Romanian message to crown the victory!
06:12pm
Smiles in defeat for Oliynykova
Smiles in defeat for Oliynykova, the “bat girl”, who gave Raducanu a real scare during that second set. It was the Ukrainian’s first ever tour semi-final.
06:09pm
Emma Raducanu wins!
Raducanu into the final! Her first since her miraculous grand slam victory in 2021, when she was aged just 18. The world no. 29, top seeded in this tournament, finally has another shot at silverware.
It wouldn’t be Raducanu without some complication, of course.
A nonchalant backward backhand lobby finds the net for the grand slam champion, before an Oliynykova backhand winner ends a long rally. 0-30.
This seemed like a procession moments ago, but the set has meandered wonderfully. Raducanu pushes Oliynykova deep behind the baseline and forces the error, the underdog is spending a lot of time on her haunches.
In fairness, she is doing a lot more running, but she reaps the reward again as she retrieves a drop shot before Raducanu miscues a lob. Two break points.
A moonball lands long on the first, before a perfectly executed drop shot defends the second, drawing applause from Oliynykova as she ran despairingly.
And Raducanu drop shots to perfection again to take match point! Great execution, twice, having lost a point with it earlier in the game. And Oliynykova goes long, Raducanu wins!
06:07pm Analysis
Pressure on
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Well, well, well. Raducanu was staring down the barrel of a seventh straight defeat in three-setters a few moments ago. Now serving for a place in her first final in five years.
06:01pm
Raducanu 7-5, 3-6, 5-3 Oliynykova*
Oliynykova looks tired. Raducanu defiant. 40-0 after some more powerful groundstroking by the latter. It’s how everyone wants to see her play.
It wouldn’t be Raducanu without some complication though, and Oliynykova fights her way back to deuce. She defends Raducanu’s volleying well and earns a game point. Deep sigh from Raducanu, who then finds the corner to force an error.
Serve return wide, advantage Oliynykova, who lobs her way to 5-3.
05:54pm
Raducanu* 7-5, 3-6, 5-2 Oliynykova
Raducanu on a roll now, serving with confidence to gain a 40-0 lead. Oliynykova plays the lesser seen slice but it’s a tired effort that hits the net and Raducanu is a game from victory, and from her first final since the Fairytale of New York.
05:51pm
Raducanu 7-5, 3-6, 4-2 Oliynykova* – Raducanu breaks
Raducanu creates a great angle off her backhand serve return to take a 0-15 lead and pins Oliynykova deep to win the next point.
Some aggression now, as she flies up to the net and closes the angle to force her opponent wide. Three break points and some more power hitting forces the error. Emphatic comeback from an ominous start to the set.
05:49pm
Raducanu* 7-5, 3-6, 3-2 Oliynykova
Unravelling comment does seem a bit reactionary now. Raducanu holds to love.
05:45pm
Raducanu 7-5, 3-6, 2-2 Oliynykova*
Raducanu pounces on a soft second serve to force the error and go 15-30 up.
Two break points to come now, but she had to play a few more shots than she’d have liked before the error came.
Oliynykova defends the first with a winner, but Raducanu takes the second despite some unconvincing finishing.
Here’s hoping my unravelling comment ages poorly.
05:40pm
Raducanu* 7-5, 3-6, 1-2 Oliynykova – Oliynykova breaks with ease
Oliynykova steps into a backhand nicely before Raducanu goes long. 0-30.
Raducanu goes to the serve and volley but Oliynykova passes the top seed wonderfully. Three break points.
A timid forehand on the front foot allows Oliynykova to turn defence into attack and she hits a simple winner to break to love.
It’s unravelling a bit here.
05:37pm
Raducanu 7-5, 3-6, 1-1 Oliynykova*
A good serve and an even better backhand earns Oliynykova a 30-0 lead. A backhand to trump both of those takes her to 40-0. Raducanu slams into the net, hold to love Oliynykova. She’s playing the better tennis on serve.
05:35pm
Raducanu* 7-5, 3-6, 1-0 Oliynykova
A change of outfit by Emma Raducanu, who seemed to be complaining about her top earlier. Let’s hope it changes her fortunes too, given she’s on a slide of four games in a row.
Not a great start, as she sends a backhand wide having dominated the preceding exchange. A good serve out wide helps her win the next point before she forces the error from Oliynykova by approaching the net.
To illustrate Tom Cary’s point below, an unforced error follows.
What’s more maddening, Raducanu’s profligacy or the concept of moonballing? Oliynykova goes wide twice and Raducanu wins the game.
05:28pm Analysis
Break out the garlic
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Break out the garlic, we’re in for a tense final set in Transylvania.
Raducanu absolutely maddening.
05:24pm
Raducanu 7-5, 3-6 Oliynykova* – Oliynykova wins second set!
Raducanu goes 0-30 up with the help of another double fault but then goes long to make it 15-30.
The Briton is then drawn into the moonball battle and her patience earns her two break points as Oliynykova finally tries to unleash and sends it long.
An unforced error takes it to 30-40 and a fast serve down the T gives the Ukrainian an easy smash to make it 40-40.
She carries that momentum into the deuce and gets advantage before Raducanu sends a frustrated forehand long. One set all.
05:18pm
Raducanu* 7-5, 3-5 Oliynykova
A heavy net-tag levels the game at 15-15 for Raducanu, and she wins the next with some faultless volleying.
She’s then beaten by another backhand volley down the line and Oliynykova forces an error with a moonball to the baseline. Raducanu finds the net and Oliynykova is serving for the set having won four games in a row.
05:13pm
Raducanu 7-5, 3-4 Oliynykova*
A really tidy volley, sending the ball from whence it came gives Raducanu a 0-15 lead and an Oliynykova error takes it to 0-30.
Oliynykova does really well to recover from a fall to win the next point, going from attack to defence before Raducanu finds the net. The next point is even better, as she defends a number of well-struck groundstrokes before executing the perfect backhand drop shot.
Oliynykova is on her haunches as a result, plenty of taxing long rallies as a result of her moonballing, but she wins another fabulous point with a slice-lob as Raducanu advanced to the net.
Raducanu goes long the next point and Oliynykova wins an eventful game to take the set lead.
05:08pm
Raducanu* 7-5, 3-3 Oliynykova
Oliynykova goes long twice, giving Raducanu a 30-0 cushion, which is just as well because the Ukrainian unleashes another backhand winner before forcing an error.
As has become a trend, Oliynykova makes an error before finding a winner and we’re at deuce.
A double fault from Raducanu gives Oliynykova a break opportunity and it’s taken after a long rally of moonballing. This is becoming frustrating to watch.
05:01pm
Raducanu 7-5, 3-2 Oliynykova*
30-30 with two double faults, but Raducanu sends a backhand into the net to cede the game point. Rinse and repeat and Oliynykova wins the game.
04:59pm
Raducanu* 7-5, 3-1 Oliynykova
Oliynykova finds depth to win the first point but Raducanu takes the next three. She’s begun coming forward and creating some angles off these moonballs, to good effect.
When Oliynykova does hit groundstrokes they land deep, her backhand seems particularly potent so the moonball tactic feels a bit of a cop out.
With the game at 40-30 Raducanu picks a volley off her laces sublimely, forcing Oliynykova to back pedal and chip one up. Raducanu smashes it away and bellows out a “come on”. She’s close to a first final in five years.
04:52pm
Raducanu 7-5, 2-1 Oliynykova* – a third break in three
Raducanu eases into a 0-40 lead without having to work too hard. To epitomise that, Oliynykova double faults to give Raducanu another break of serve. Now for a hold, please…
04:51pm
Not to tempt fate…
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With Katie Boulter having reached the final of the Ostrava Open a few moments ago, beating world No.96 Katie Volynets 6-1 6-3, we could have a bit of British tennis history this weekend…
I believe I’m right in saying that if Raducanu wins this match it will be the first time we see two British women competing in WTA-level singles finals on the same day.
04:49pm
Raducanu* 7-5, 1-1 Oliynykova – Oliynykova breaks back
The point-streak is broken as Oliynykova claims the first of this game, before framing a moonball attempt to make it 15-15.
A wondeful point follows as some solid Oliynykova defence brings Raducanu up to the net and the Ukrainian scampers out wide to hit a winner past her opponent.
A subsequent mishit from Raducanu gives her two break points to defend. Both are defended, the second particularly well as Raducanu shows some variation to approach the net quickly and volley.
A lovely backhand down the line earns Oliynykova a third break point but she pushes a moonball into the tramlines to take us back to deuce.
Now a fourth break point, this one brought about by a well-placed lob hit with some spin. Raducanu misses her first serve and Oliynykova wins the battle of attrition in a long rally to break back.
04:40pm
Second set: Raducanu 7-5, 1-0 Oliynykova*
10 points in a row now for Raducanu, as a combination of forced and unforced errors gift her a 0-40 lead in the second set opener.
Make that 11 as Oliynykova goes long. Perfect start for the top seed.
04:38pm
Unforced errors the difference
Both players first serving at high percentages, Raducanu’s 77% bettering Oliynykova’s 74%. The real difference lying in unforced error count, though, with Raducanu registering 11 fewer than Oliynykova’s 30.
04:35pm
Raducanu takes the first 7-5!
Three set points for Raducanu, who is clearly fit to continue, courtesy of some accurate first serving.
She takes them at the first time of asking, forcing Oliynykova to drop short and capitalising with ease. First set Emma Raducanu.
04:29pm Analysis
Raducanu 6-5 Oliynykova
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Fang god for that. In fairness to Raducanu, Oliyniykova looks like a seriously awkward opponent. From her tattoos, to her unconventional service action, to the endless moonballs…
But really, Raducanu will be kicking herself if she lets this slip. Unforced errors on two eminently winnable break points in that game almost cost her. She must close this set out now.
04:27pm
Raducanu 6-5 Oliynykova* – Raducanu breaks but calls for physio
More moonballing from Oliynykova and Raducanu eventually drops short, and her opponent duly punishes her to make it 30-0.
A mean, low-bouncing slice forces Raducanu forward and the space to pass her is gratefully taken to make it 40-0.
Raducanu comes back into it though with some deep hitting, removing the moonball option for Oliynykova. Deuce.
The easier said than done approach of pinning Oliynykova back produces a break point and the ball sits up perfectly on the service line for Raducanu but she slams it into the net to take us back to deuce. The story repeats itself, this time on Raducanu’s backhand, to squander a second break point, but she makes amends by putting the same shot away a few points later to save an Oliynykova game point.
An Oliynykova unforced yields a third break point and Raducanu slams away a volley to break once again. Ominous scenes at the break, though, as she calls for the physio. There had been no indication of an injury beforehand…
04:14pm
Raducanu* 5-5 Oliynykova – Oliynykova breaks back
Oliynykova flies to a 0-30 lead but Raducanu finally finds some white paint with a first serve out wide and pounces.
The Ukrainian earns two break points, however, after drop shotting and then picking off a Raducanu volley.
Raducanu is next to drop shot, and defends the first break point with a nicely weighted lob played behind the baseline.
A superb rally follows and Raducanu wears down Oliynykova to force the error and defend the break point. Great tennis…
…Double fault. A third break point, defended once again after a long rally. Oliynykova is moonballing when Raducanu lands her first serves and when the top seed remains patient, she’s winning but the tactic eventually forces a couple of errors and Oliynykova breaks straight back
04:04pm
Raducanu 5-4 Oliynykova* – Raducanu breaks
Shot of the match to make it 15-15 by Raducanu, who hits a sublime passing shot as Oliynykova advances to the net.
Some not-so-great tennis to follow, however, as the Briton hits an unforced error and the Ukrainian a double fault. Raducanu then takes the game to deuce with some powerful groundstroking to cancel out another error.
Raducanu earns the first break point of the set with some powerful baseine hitting, preventing her opponent from approaching as she has done frequently today.
Raducanu takes the opportunity clinically, with some more powerful hitting. She’ll serve for the set.
03:56pm
Raducanu* 4-4 Oliynykova
The first straightforward hold in the match for Raducanu, who eases to 40-0 before defending some powerful groundstrokes until the unforced error comes. A hold to love.
03:51pm
Raducanu 3-4 Oliynykova*
Raducanu’s first return of the next game goes long but Oliynykova catches the net with a backhand to level the scores.
The Ukrainian then produces a wonderful passing shot with Raducanu at the net, and the 23-year-old can only guide a volley down into the net.
Another wayward return from the Briton makes it 40-15 but Oliynykova sends a forehand well long to keep her opponent in this game.
She then seals the hold, though, with a wonderful cross-court forehand.
03:48pm
Raducanu* 3-3 Oliynykova
Oliynykova goes wide with a ground-stroke to fall behind, before Raducanu extends her lead with a wonderful volley at the net following a superb backhand approach.
But a double-fault follows from the Briton, gifting her opponent a way back into this game. After a really lengthy exchange during the next point, Raducanu goes just wide of the line with her attempted backhand winner and it’s back to 30-30.
Oliynykova pushes a backhand just long after some solid defence and she lets out a scream of frustration. The Ukrainian comes into the net on the next point but Raducanu seals the hold with a sensational backhand winner down the line.
03:44pm
Raducanu 2-3 Oliynykova
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The tattooed Oliynykova already proving to be a bit of a pain in the neck (boom boom) for the Briton, mixing sliced forehands with high looping groundstrokes and then suddenly increasing the pace. Raducanu struggling to find her rhythm.
03:42pm
Raducanu 2-3 Oliynykova*
Oliynykova starts the next game with a wonderful forehand winner into the corner, and she makes it 30-0 as Raducanu goes long with her return of serve.
The Ukrainian constructs the next point really nicely to set up another winner, which she puts away superbly. A rash return from Raducanu and it’s a hold to love.
03:40pm
Raducanu* 2-2 Oliynykova
Raducanu takes the lead at the start of her next service game with her opponent sending a ground-stroke long and the Briton makes it 30-0 as Oliynykova catches the net with a backhand.
Oliynykova then gets fortunate as her forehand winner clips the top of the net but stays in. She had a big chunk of the court to aim for from close in so didn’t need to be that close to the net with the strike.
Raducanu shows some impressive defence to force the wayward forehand from her opponent and she clinches the hold with a wonderfully-controlled volley at the net after pinning Oliynykova back.
03:35pm
Raducanu 1-2 Oliynykova*
A tidy serve-and-forehand combination gives Oliynykova a 15-0 lead but Raducanu restores parity with a smashed winner at the net after a lengthy exchange.
A wonderful sliced backhand from Raducanu brings about the mistake from Oliynykova, but the Briton then pushes her forehand wide with a good chance to establish two break points. 30 each.
Some powerful hitting from the Ukrainian proves too much for Raducanu and another hold is secured as the 23-year-old drags her backhand return of serve wide.
03:31pm
Raducanu* 1-1 Oliynykova
Oliynykova really mis-hits her first couple of shots in Raducanu’s first service game, but then produces a forehand winner to go 0-15 ahead.
A forehand into the net makes it 15-15 before a ground-stroke goes long, giving the Briton the lead.
But another punishing forehand from the lower-ranked player and the scores are level once again at 30-30.
Raducanu puts away the next point with a smashed winner at the net, but she then drives a backhand into the net, taking the game to deuce.
Raducanu gets fortunate as her backhand clips the top of the net but just about stays in, and while Oliynykova does well to reach it, the Briton then has an empty court to hit her winner into.
The Ukrainian dominates the next point, though, pouncing on Raducanu’s second serve, and it’s back to deuce.
Oliynykova sends her forehand just long of the baseline after a lengthy exchange, but she recovers once more, with her backhand passing shot proving too much for Raducanu at the net.
A long return of serve gives Raducanu the advantage once again, and this time she secures a hard-fought hold as Oliynykova slices a backhand into the net.
03:22pm
Raducanu 0-1 Oliynykova* (*denotes server)
So, it’s Oliynykova to serve first in this semi-final and she takes a 15-0 lead as Raducanu catches the net with a forehand.
A sliced forehand into the net from the Ukrainian makes it 15-15 but she restores her lead as Raducanu’s return of serve drifts long.
Raducanu has the next point at her mercy with both players at the net but she sends her smashed winner long. A well-driven forehand by Oliynykova then secures a comfortable hold.
03:20pm
Warm-ups done
The warm-ups are over so the start of this semi-final is just a couple of moments away.
03:15pm
Raducanu chooses to return
Raducanu wins the toss and opts to return first. The warm ups are now underway.
03:14pm
Raducanu on court
Raducanu has just walked out onto Centre Court in Romania. She is a popular figure here, with her father born in the country, while she is capable of speaking Romanian, as demonstrated at points during her on-court interviews this week.
Oliynykova once again has gothic-looking miniature bats stencilled on her face, honouring Transylvania’s association with the creature.
03:12pm
Watch: Raducanu progresses into last four
03:08pm
Doubles wrapped up
The doubles semi-final on Centre Court has now come to an end, with third seeds Rakhimova and Sorribes Tormo progressing into the final.
We expect Raducanu will be on court shortly.
03:03pm
Raducanu up next
Raducanu will be on Centre Court in Cluj-Napoca following the conclusion of the Women’s Doubles semi-final currently taking place.
That one has gone into a match tie-break with the scores at one set a piece, meaning it should be over very shortly!
03:01pm
Raducanu responds well to Roig split
Raducanu’s run in Romania means she is currently three for three since splitting from her coach Francis Roig following her second-round exit at the Australian Open.
Having been a long-time coach of Rafael Nadal, Roig’s appointment was seen as a significant one for Raducanu, but the partnership lasted just six months.
In an Instagram post, Raducanu said: “Francis, thank you for our time together. You have been more than a coach to me and I will cherish the many good times we spent together on and off the court.”
Read Telegraph Sport’s full report on this split here.
Roig departs after working with Raducanu during the US Open, the Asian hardcourt swing and Australian Open – Getty Images/Clive Brunskill
02:54pm
Can Raducanu return to a final?
Raducanu is looking to end her long wait to return to a final, having failed to do so since triumphing at the US Open in 2021.
This week marks just the fourth time that Raducanu has reached the semi-finals of a tournament since winning the New York major five years ago.
It’s the fifth time the Briton has been the top seed at a tournament, but she has failed to progress to the last stage on each occasion.
Emma Raducanu in action in Romania – Tingshu Wang/Reuters
02:47pm
‘Bat Girl’
Raducanu is up against the heavily tattooed Oliynykova, who has this week earned the moniker “Bat Girl”.
The world No 91 has taken her tattoos to another level by stencilling gothic-looking miniature bats on her face for the tournament, honouring Transylvania’s association with the creature.
Oleksandra Oliynykova of Ukraine – Horvath Tamas/Getty Images
02:43pm
Raducanu’s journey to the semi-finals
Round 1: 6-0, 6-4 vs Greet Minnen (World No 125)
Round 2: 7-5, 6-1 vs Kaja Juvan (World No 97)
Round 3: 6-0, 6-4 vs Maja Chwalinska (World No 146)
Emma Raducanu celebrates during her third-round victory – Getty Images /Horvath Tamas
02:34pm
Raducanu targets first final since US Open triumph
Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of the Transylvania Open as Emma Raducanu takes on Oleksandra Oliynykova for a place in the final. The British No 1, still pursuing a second career final following her US Open triumph in 2021, has not dropped a set this week en route to the last four in Romania, the country of her father’s birth.
Raducanu, who is the top seed at a tournament for the fifth time in her career, has come through in straight sets against Greet Minnen, Kaja Juvan and Maja Chwalinska. It has been a much-needed response from the 23-year-old following her disappointing exit in the second round of the Australian Open last month, which led to her parting ways with coach Francis Roig.
Speaking after her 6-0, 6-4 victory in the previous round, Raducanu, delivering some of her on-court interview in Romanian, said: “I’m very happy with my performance. I played a great match from the beginning and I was pleased I could get off to that start. Of course, there’s always moments of adversity to overcome and I did that pretty well in the second set.”
But this afternoon’s match, which will be Raducanu’s first semi-final since reaching the last four at the Washington Open in July, may be the Briton’s toughest test yet, with Oliynykova claiming her first top-50 win against Chinese fourth seed Wang Xinyu to reach this stage.
The world No 91 has this week earned the moniker “Bat Girl”, having taken her tattoos to another level by stencilling gothic-looking miniature bats on her face for the tournament, honouring Transylvania’s association with the creature.
At stake for the winner this afternoon is a showdown with either third seed and world No 36 Sorana Cirstea of Romania or Daria Snigur of Ukraine.
Oksana Oliynykova is Emma Raducanu’s semi-final opponent – Tamas Horvath/Getty Images
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