The Romanian, ranked 18th in the world, was made to work hard by Inglis, who sits 141st in the WTA rankings. Despite the gap between them on paper, the Australian pushed Cîrstea throughout the contest and forced the match to go the distance.

For Cîrstea, now 36, the win marks a solid start to her grass-court campaign and gives her useful momentum at an important stage of the season.

Experience proves decisive

Cîrstea’s greater experience ultimately helped her through a match that was far from straightforward. Inglis showed enough resistance to make the Romanian fight for control, but Cîrstea found the level she needed in the decisive moments.

The victory underlines her continued durability on the tour and her ability to manage difficult matches against opponents with little to lose.

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According to Digi Sport’s report on Cîrstea’s reaction after her victory at WTA London, the result sends the Romanian into the last 16 at Queen’s Club.

A timely win on grass

The London tournament is a significant stop in the grass-court calendar, and Cîrstea’s opening win gives her another chance to build rhythm on the surface.

After being pushed hard in her first match, she will know that sharper tests may follow. But her ability to come through a tight encounter offers encouragement as she looks to extend her run in the British capital.

Sources: www.digisport.ro

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