Halep books place in WTA finals
World No 5 beats Madison Keys 6-4, 6-2 to reach last four in Wuhan Open
WUHAN: World No 5 Simona Halep downed Madison Keys 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the Wuhan Open on Thursday to book her place in the elite season-end WTA Final for the third consecutive year.
Big serving Keys took an early lead in the first set, breaking the Romanian’s serve twice, but was unable to maintain the momentum as Halep equalled and then took the set 6-4.
Halep — who turned 25 this week — dropped just two games to take the second set and confirm her place in the eight-player season finale in Singapore.
Only world No 1 Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams have so far qualified for the highly lucrative tournament, and the field remains wide open for the remaining five spots.
“It’s amazing to be qualified again for Singapore three years in a row. It’s a good thing. It gives me confidence,” Halep told reporters after the quarterfinal match.
With Williams having taken only one Grand Slam title this year and slipped from her longheld No 1 spot in the rankings, Halep had said earlier this week that she feels she now has a shot at the top.