US Open Chaos as Sorana Cirstea’s Trophy Gets Stolen From Hotel Room

The US Open was already a stage of high drama on the courts, but for Sorana Cirstea, tension spilled over into her hotel room. The Romanian star, who recently won the Tennis in The Land 2025 singles title in Cleveland, faced an unusual ordeal: her hard-earned trophy was stolen.

But this isn’t just any trophy. Cîrstea’s Cleveland victory marked a rare hard-court title and a career resurgence, showcasing her season’s tactical growth and resilience. The story behind that win makes the theft feel even more poignant: a tale of precision, grit, and a return to form that fans won’t forget.

Cirstea took to Instagram, writing: “Whoever stole my Cleveland trophy from room 314 at @thefiftysonesta please give it back! It has NO material value, just sentimental value! It would be greatly appreciated! Thank you, Sorana.” The plea highlighted how deeply personal this trophy was to her.

As she explained, her Cleveland triumph had been a career highlight. After a tense US Open first round, Cirstea’s Cleveland performance showcased her precision and mental toughness. “Winning in Cleveland reminded me why I love the game. Every point mattered, every serve counted,” she said after the final, reflecting on the tournament that added a rare hard-court title to her collection. She defeated Ann Li 6–2, 6–4, with a first serve percentage of 66.7%, winning 75% of those points, and converting both break points she faced.

After a stunner at the US Open Warm-ups, Cirstea was eliminated in the second round by Karolina Muchova in a three-set battle, losing 7–6(0), 6–7(3), 6–4. Now ranked 57th in the world, she faces the challenge of climbing back up the rankings and the emotional sting of losing a trophy that symbolized her hard work.

The Fifty Sonesta Hotel has yet to issue a statement, and the incident remains under investigation. While the Cleveland trophy may have no monetary value, its loss strikes at the heart of a season Cirstea fought tirelessly to reclaim, prompting support from fans and fellow players.

Sorana’s Cleveland 2025 triumph and its significance

Cirstea’s victory in Cleveland was a testament to her persistence and tactical growth. Against Ann Li in the final, she blended aggressive baseline play with sharp point construction, winning 6–2, 6–4. She converted 100% of her break points (2/2), won 69.5% of total service points, and captured 43.8% of return points, showing dominance across all facets of her game.

She faced only a single breakpoint in the final, saving it successfully, and won 31 of 53 total points in critical games (58.5%). She maintained control across service and return games, illustrating why the Cleveland title marked a high point of her 2025 season.

Losing the trophy now feels symbolic. It represents years of dedication, skill, and the confidence that propelled her back into the spotlight. The Cleveland win remains a career milestone, and the stolen trophy has heightened awareness of the significance of her journey to fans and the tennis community.