Simona Halep has broken new ground at the China Open after dismantling former world No.1 Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-2, in the third round.
The second seed entered the match knowing that she had never defeated the Russian before. Sharapova had triumphed in their seven previous meetings, including their clash at last month’s US Open.
This time round it was Halep’s aggression that dominated the play against her erratic opponent. Throughout the opening set, Sharapova produced a costly 20 unforced errors compared to just one from Halep. The Romanian was relentless in her defensive play, forcing the Russian to hit the extra shot. Fittingly, it was a Sharapova error that gifted Halep the 6-2 lead.
Despite her poor record against Sharapova, there were no signs of nerves from Halep as she continued to produce a level of tennis that had previously taken her to two grand slam finals. Continuing to apply the pressure, it was a case of deja vu in the second set. A Sharapova backhand into the net secured the Romanian a break for 6-2, 2-1. Four games later the double break was secured, moving Halep to a game away from the milestone moment. Closing in on the victory, Halep secured the win on the 72nd minute of the match with the help of a serve down the line.
“I think she played an incredible match, probably the best she’s played against me in all of our previous meetings,” Sharapova said after the match. “I wasn’t as sharp. I wasn’t seeing the ball as well. I wasn’t moving up and down as well as I have been against her.
“She was hitting the ball consistently, not making a lot of unforced errors, her service percentage was quite high. She did all the right things.”
Halep’s emphatic performance was illustrated by a winner-error ratio of 12-16. A stark contrast to Sharapova, who hit 15 winners compared to 39 unforced errors. Many of which she made due to the intensity of Halep’s play.
In the quarter-finals Halep will play either Daria Kasatkina or defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska.
Winners are grinners, eh @Simona_Halep… #ChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/ehDtQ3nu3S
— China Open (@ChinaOpen) 4 October 2017
