Begu Triumphs Over Li in Indian Wells Thriller

INDIAN WELLS, California, USA — Romanian tennis player Irina Begu, 34, achieved a hard-fought victory over American Ann Li, 24, in the first round of the Indian Wells tournament on Wednesday night. The match lasted two hours and five minutes, concluding with a score of 7-5, 3-6, 6-1.

With this win, Begu not only advances to the second round but also secures a prize of $35,260 and 35 WTA ranking points. In her next match, she will face Britain’s Katie Boulter, who is 28 and currently ranked 38th. Boulter received a first-round bye and is seeded 25th in the tournament.

This upcoming clash will be the first encounter between Begu and Boulter on the professional circuit. While fellow Romanian tennis players Sorana Cârstea and Simona Halep consider retirement at age 34 and 33, respectively, Begu remains determined to continue competing professionally, especially as she stays within the top 100 of the WTA rankings.

Begu hails from a family that supports her endeavors on the court. Born in Bucharest to parents Steluța and Paul, and brother Andrei, she credits her family for their unwavering support. “I watch her matches but I don’t disturb her during tournaments; I just send a quick text,” her mother Steluța shared. She added, “I wait for her at home with her favorite beef soup and cakes.”

Irina Begu manages her finances independently, contrasting with Simona Halep’s family structure that typically shares financial matters. “Her earnings are her own; they are hard-earned, and we take no credit for that,” Steluța noted, emphasizing Begu’s independence since 2011.

Throughout her career, Begu has been influenced by her aunt Aura Wagner, a former tennis player. “Without her, I wouldn’t be at this level,” Steluța affirmed. Begu, a double European junior champion in singles, felt confident while playing in the U.S., recalling her 2012 sensation at the US Open when she upset former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki in the first round.