Lucia Bronzetti delivered a stunning performance at the Transylvania Open, successfully defeating compatriot Elisabetta Cocciaretto, as she advanced to the semifinals of the WTA 250 tournament held on the fast indoor courts of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The 26-year-old from Villa Verucchio showcased her skills with a convincing 6-1, 6-4 victory over the seventh-seeded Cocciaretto, ranked 60th globally.
The quarterfinals proved to be more of a one-sided affair than many expected. Just minutes after the match commenced, Bronzetti surged to control the pace, breaking Cocciaretto twice early on and capitalizing on every opportunity presented. The first set closed swiftly at 6-1, with Bronzetti taking just 28 minutes to wrap it up.
Bronzetti’s dominance was underscored by her impressive serve, which offered little relief to Cocciaretto throughout the encounter. She established two early breaks, leaving the match almost beyond reach for her friend and opponent. “It’s never easy playing against a friend. I knew it would be tough,” Bronzetti commented after the match, acknowledging the emotional weight of competing against someone close. "I managed my nerves well, made few mistakes, and tried to attack every ball. I’m happy for myself, but I feel sorry for her.”
The second set commenced similarly, with Bronzetti opening with another break. Cocciaretto, attempting to find rhythm and regain some footing, kept fighting back but was unable to stay consistent against her rival's relentless game. By the seventh game, Bronzetti had set up match points, showcasing not only her tactical prowess but also her mental strength.
Despite Cocciaretto's attempts to mount a comeback, Bronzetti sealed the match with strategic volleys and power shots, taking the match home on her second match point, finishing the contest within 72 minutes.
Looking forward, Bronzetti prepares to face Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic, currently ranked 54th and seeded fifth, whom she has faced once before—losing to her at the final on the grass courts of Bad Homburg last year. Both semifinals will highlight contrasting styles, as Siniakova is renowned for her doubles strength as well.
The semi-final match is shaping up to be another exciting chapter for Bronzetti, who has reached this phase of the tournament for the seventh time in her career. Her performance at Cluj-Napoca this week has revealed not just her talent but also her potential for growth as she strives for greater achievements on tour.
Meanwhile, the other semifinal matchup features the top-seeded Anastasia Potapova facing Aliaksandra Sasnovich, as the tournament looks to draw to its exciting conclusion. Bronzetti is increasingly becoming one to watch as she bounces confidently from one opponent to the next, and every match seems to strengthen her reputation within the women’s tennis circuit.
With her eye firmly set on victory, Bronzetti’s pursuit of success continues this weekend as she aims to secure her place in the final against formidable opponents.