Simona Halep took a big step towards the Roland Garros title and becoming the new world number one after a 6-4 3-6 6-3 victory over Karolina Pliskova.
In their first meeting on clay and seventh meeting in total it was Pliskova who started the better as her big forehand gave her a 1-0 advantage. Despite some early pressure the Romanian held in the next game for 1-1. Halep would need good movement if she was to stay in touching distance of Pliskova. Halep used her big groundstrokes and brilliant movement to strike the first blow as she broke for a 2-1 lead. A high stakes match called for big shots in the big moments and that is exactly what the Romanian provided in the first set as she held for a 3-1 lead. This match was always going to be won by the player with the best move, unfortunately Pliskova’s movement was terrible to start the match. However Pliskova used her big serve to hold for a 3-2 deficit. The Romanian continued to dominate and pummel the ball for the rest of the set and on fourth set point, Halep sealed the set 6-4 in 44 minutes.
Pliskova pressed the reset button and started the second set with a strong hold for a 1-0 lead. Unlike the first set Pliskova avoided being broken early and as a result could play her game with a lot more freedom. As a result the tall Czech Republican started reaping the rewards and broke the Halep serve for a 4-2 lead. This was the only break of the set as Pliskova battered her way to the second set, 6-3 to level the match. The Chatrier crowd went wild as the second Women’s Semi-Final went to the deciding set.
Halep made a much better start as she held comfortable for a 1-0 lead and applied more pressure on the Pliskova serve as she tested the World number two’s movement. However it came to no avail as Pliskova remained gritty and determined for 1-1. However the Romanian’s pressure continued, which eventually lead to a break of serve in the fourth game thanks to a stunning cross court forehand, this meant Halep took a lead of 3-1. However the Czech Republican broke to restore hope at a 4-3 deficit. However that was the last piece of resilience from Pliskova as the Romanian broke straight back and completed victory 6-4 3-6 6-3 in just over two hours.
After the match Halep said, ‘It’s an amazing feeling. I’m just happy. It was extremely tough, she’s a very tough opponent. it’s nice to be back in the finals, I hope this time I can play better. I take on a younger player. It will be an interesting challenge. The fans and Romanian flags give me the inspiration all the time. I hope the final will be great.’
Simona Halep will aim to become the new world number one and win her maiden grand slam on Saturday when she plays on Saturday against Jelena Ostapenko.
