The WTA 250 UniCredit Iași Open 2026 tournament begins on Sunday, July 12, at the Ciric Sports Base, with the first qualifying matches. The last matches of the qualifiers are scheduled for Monday, as well as the start of the main draw.
Withdrawals for medical reasons
Shortly before the start of the competition, the organizers and fans received some unexpected news. Sorana Cîrstea and Irina Begu, two of the most important Romanian players registered for the tournament, withdrew due to medical problems.
For Sorana Cîrstea (36 years old, 18th WTA), the competition in Iasi would have been one of the last opportunities to perform in front of the Romanian public, in the season she announced as the last of her career. At the same time, she had the chance to win a new trophy on home soil, after the success achieved in Cluj, at the beginning of this year.
And Irina Begu (35 years old, 173rd WTA), the champion of the previous edition, announced that she will not be able to defend her title, also for medical reasons.
Sorana will appear in Iasi only for autographs: “See you!”
“Unfortunately, during the second round match at Wimbledon, I suffered an abdominal injury that will prevent me from competing for the next few weeks. Because of this, I will not be able to participate in the tournament in Lași. I am very disappointed, because I was looking forward to competing again in Romania and seeing you all again. Even if I will not be able to play, I will be in Iasi on July 18 and 19 and I hope to see you outside the land!“declared Cîrstea, in a post on Instagram story.
Irina Begu: “I am so sorry!”
“Unfortunately, I will not be able to be present at this year’s edition of the Iasi Open tournament. Following an injury, I suffered fractures in two toes, and the doctors recommended a recovery period. I am very sad and disappointed that I will miss one of my soul tours. Iasi holds a special place in my heart. This is where I experienced some of the best moments of my career and this year I was looking forward to coming back and trying to defend my title. I am so sorry that I will not be able to be with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support, affection and warmth with which you have welcomed me every time. I wish all the participants good luck and I hope to see you again soon!“Irina Begu also transmitted.
