Jaqueline Cristian Makes History with Maiden French Open Third Round Berth
Romania’s top-ranked tennis player, Jaqueline Cristian, has achieved a significant career milestone at Roland Garros, storming into the third round of the 2025 French Open for the first time.
The 26-year-old, currently ranked World No. 60, showcased her trademark resilience on the Parisian clay, overcoming a tough challenge to defeat Czech qualifier Sara Bejlek 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 in a thrilling second-round encounter 9.
This victory follows a dominant first-round performance where she dismantled Australia’s Kimberly Birrell 6-1, 6-0 9. Cristian’s previous best at the French Open was a first-round exit in 2024, making this run her deepest penetration into the clay-court Grand Slam 3.
Cristian’s path now leads to a daunting challenge against the world’s best. She faces defending champion and World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the third round on May 30th 9.
While Swiatek is the overwhelming favorite, Cristian enters the match with confidence, having recently secured her first career victory over a Top 10 player (Barbora Krejčíková) in late 2024 3.
This match represents not just a test but an opportunity for Cristian to announce herself on the sport’s biggest stage.
Building Momentum: Jaqueline Cristian’s Strong 2025 Season
Cristian’s success in Paris is no fluke but the culmination of a consistently strong 2025 season that has seen her cement her status as Romania’s No. 1 player:
- Grand Slam Breakthrough: Before Roland Garros, Cristian reached her maiden Grand Slam third round at the Australian Open in January. She defeated Petra Martić and Lucia Bronzetti before falling in a tight three-set battle to Eva Lys 39.
- WTA 125 Glory: In March, Cristian captured a significant title at the WTA 125 Puerto Vallarta Open in Mexico. She navigated a tough draw, defeating Linda Fruhvirtová in the final (7-5, 6-4) after notable wins over Rebeka Masarova and Tatjana Maria 369.
- Rabat Runner-Up: Just days before the French Open, Cristian demonstrated her clay-court prowess by reaching the final of the WTA 250 Morocco Open in Rabat. She powered past opponents including Camila Osorio (SF: 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-4) and Anastasija Sevastova (QF: 6-3, 6-4) before falling to Australian teenager Maya Joint (3-6, 2-6) in the championship match 3915. This marked her second WTA singles final, adding to her runner-up finish at Linz in 2021 36.
- Doubles Success: Cristian has also found success in doubles in 2025. Partnering Angelica Moratelli, she finished as runner-up at the Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca in February 36. Her doubles ranking sits at a career-high No. 108 3.
*Table: Jaqueline Cristian’s Key 2025 Results (Pre-French Open)*
| Tournament | Location | Surface | Result | Defeated By/Beat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Open | Melbourne, AUS | Hard | Third Round | Lost to Eva Lys |
| Puerto Vallarta | Mexico | Hard | Champion | Def. Linda Fruhvirtová (Final) |
| Rabat | Morocco | Clay | Finalist | Lost to Maya Joint |
| Transylvania Open | Cluj-Napoca, ROM | Indoor Hard | Doubles Final | w/Moratelli, lost to Kempen/Sisková |
The “Draculina” Persona: Embracing Her Roots
Beyond her powerful baseline game, Jaqueline Cristian has become known for embracing the Transylvania Open‘s unique atmosphere with her now-iconic Dracula cosplay.
Since the tournament’s debut in 2021, Cristian has made it an annual tradition to appear on court draped in a dramatic vampire cape, delighting home fans and earning nicknames like “Countess Dracqueline” and “Draculina” 8.
This playful persona showcases her connection to her Romanian heritage and her ability to engage with the crowd. Her 2023 victory over Celine Naef in Cluj-Napoca, celebrated with the cape, was a particularly memorable moment, solidifying her as a fan favorite at the event 8.
Profile: Romania’s Rising Tennis Force
- Full Name: Jaqueline Adina Cristian ( Jaqueline Cristian )
- Birthdate: June 5, 1998 (Age 26)
- Birthplace: Bucharest, Romania
- Height: 1.82m (5′ 11″)
- Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
- Coach: Javier Martí
- Career-High Singles Ranking: No. 57 (July 29, 2024)
- Current Singles Ranking (May 26, 2025): No. 60
- Career-High Doubles Ranking: No. 108 (May 19, 2025)
- Prize Money: $2,105,623+ 36
- Favorite Surface: Clay 6
- Career Titles: 1 WTA 125 Singles, 14 ITF Singles, 10 ITF Doubles 3
Playing Style and Career Trajectory
Jaqueline Cristian is an aggressive baseliner whose game is particularly well-suited to clay courts. Her height (1.82m) gives her a strong serve and allows her to generate powerful groundstrokes off both wings. Coached by Spaniard Javier Martí, she has developed greater consistency and tactical awareness in recent years, complementing her natural power 36.
Her career trajectory has been marked by steady progress and resilience:
- Early Career (2015-2020): Made her WTA debut in 2015, primarily competing on the ITF Circuit. Reached her first WTA doubles final in Bucharest in 2019 3.
- Breakthrough (2021): Broke into the Top 100 (Nov 8, 2021) after reaching her first WTA singles final in Linz (as a lucky loser) and semifinals in Nur-Sultan. Showcased her potential with a quarterfinal run in Cluj-Napoca 36.
- Setbacks & Comebacks (2022-2023): Reached a then-career-high No. 58 in early 2022 after her Australian Open debut win but suffered a significant knee injury during a match in Doha that sidelined her for six months 36. She worked her way back, reaching a WTA semifinal in Prague in 2023 and making her Wimbledon debut (2nd round) 36.
- Sustained Rise (2024-Present): Achieved consistent results in 2024 (semifinal in Cluj-Napoca, quarterfinals in Charleston, Palermo, Iasi) to break into the Top 60, peaking at No. 57. Scored her first Top 10 win over Barbora Krejčíková at the 2024 China Open, saving match points 36. This momentum has carried into a strong 2025 season.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Cristian’s immediate challenge is the ultimate clay-court test: facing World No. 1 Iga Swiatek on Court Philippe-Chatrier. While an upset would be seismic, the match provides invaluable experience against the very best. Regardless of the outcome, her run to the third round guarantees valuable ranking points, likely consolidating her position within or near the Top 60 39.
Looking beyond Roland Garros, Cristian’s goals will include:
- Breaking into the Top 50: Her current trajectory and consistent results make this a realistic near-term target.
- Deep Runs at WTA 250/500 Events: Converting quarterfinal and semifinal appearances into titles, especially on her favored clay.
- Building Grand Slam Consistency: Using her Paris run as a springboard to regularly reach the second week at majors.
- Billie Jean King Cup Leadership: Maintaining her strong record (8-4 win-loss) for Romania 3.
Overcoming Adversity: The Injury Hiatus
A significant chapter in Cristian’s story is her resilience in the face of injury. Her rapid rise in early 2022 (reaching No. 58) was abruptly halted during a second-round match against Daria Kasatkina at the Qatar Ladies Open in Doha.
A serious knee injury forced her retirement and led to a six-month hiatus from the tour 36. The mental and physical challenge of this comeback cannot be understated. Her return and subsequent climb to surpass her previous career-high ranking (now No. 57) is a testament to her determination and hard work 36.
The Dracula Legacy and Fan Connection
Cristian’s embrace of the “Draculina” persona at the Transylvania Open is more than just a gimmick; it’s a powerful branding tool and a genuine connection with her home fans. Playing in Cluj-Napoca, deep in the heart of the Transylvania region, she leans into the Dracula lore with theatrical flair, appearing in a black vampire cape before or after matches 8.
This tradition, started in 2021, has become synonymous with her participation there. The WTA itself highlighted “Countess Dracqueline” following her 2023 win, recognizing the unique character she brings to the event 8.
This connection fuels fan support and adds an element of fun and cultural pride to her performances, making her matches in Romania must-see events.
Looking Forward: Cristian vs. Swiatek and Beyond
Jaqueline Cristian‘s third-round clash against Iga Swiatek is undoubtedly the biggest match of her career to date. Facing the dominant force in women’s clay-court tennis on the sport’s most iconic clay stage is a monumental task. Cristian will need to harness her powerful groundstrokes, serve at her very best, and display the mental fortitude that saw her save match points against Krejčíková. While victory is a tall order, competing strongly against Swiatek would be another significant milestone.
Win or lose against Swiatek, Jaqueline Cristian‘s 2025 season has already been one of meaningful progress. Her maiden Grand Slam third rounds in Melbourne and Paris, her WTA 125 title in Puerto Vallarta, and her runner-up finish in Rabat demonstrate a player hitting her stride. Currently sitting at World No. 60 and holding a career-high of No. 57, her goal of breaking into the Top 50 seems well within reach.
Her powerful game, bolstered by her work with coach Javier Martí and her resilience in overcoming injury, positions her as a dangerous opponent on any surface, but particularly on clay. As the “Draculina” of Romanian tennis, Jaqueline Cristian is carving out her own legacy, one thrilling victory and dramatic cape swirl at a time. Her journey at Roland Garros continues to captivate, and her future on the WTA Tour looks increasingly bright.