World No.2 Simona Halep has clinched her first clay-court title in two years after roaring her way to a straight sets victory in the final of the Prague Open on Sunday.
The top seed disposed of Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-2, 7-5, during what was a strong 93-minute display in her first competitive tournament of any sort since February. Despite experiencing some testing moments against the world No.23, the Romanian utilized her powerful shot-making to dictate the rallies and placed her opponent under constant pressure. Illustrated by her 21 winners as she saved seven out of the 10 break points faced in the final.
“The first set was not easy. She’s a great opponent and it is always tough to play against her because she is always fast, hits the ball really quick,” Halep said during her on-court interview.
“The second set was tougher but mentally I was strong. That’s why I could win this match.”
Initially Halep looked like she would be in for a stern test against Mertens after dropping her opening service game to swiftly fall behind 0-2. However the two-time Grand Slam champion soon found her footing as she clinched six games in a row to seal the opener with relative ease. Continuing her trend of dominance against Mertens when they play each other on the clay. In their two previous meetings on the surface back in 2018, Halep dropped just three games in each of those matches.
Despite being in pole position, Halep found herself in a cat and mouse chase throughout the second frame. Twice she boasted a break advantage before losing it and at one point led by 4-2 before Mertens battled back to draw level. Mertens’ revival in the match turned out to be short lived when at 5-5 another error-stricken game from her aided Halep to break once more and this time serve for her 21st WTA trophy. A task she passed with flying colours after prevailing on her first match point when a slice from across the court landed beyond the baseline.
“I loved being in Prague. It was one of my best weeks, even if my tennis was not at the highest level,” Halep commented on her performance. “I enjoyed it and I’m happy to be back on court after the break. The tournament director did a great job.”
“Maybe next year I will be back,” she added.
The victory extends Mertens’ hunt for a top 10 win against a player on the clay. All of her six previous victories have been on hard courts. Her most prestigious win on the surface in terms of ranking was against Elena Vesnina (No.16) in the Fed Cup.
It is still unclear as to what tournament Halep will play at next amid speculation over her US Open participation. In an interview earlier on Sunday, her coach Darren Cahill said she previously had a ‘gut feeling’ of not going. Although the former world No.1 says she is still yet to make a final decision.
“Monday I will announce it. Now it is too fast to make a decision. I just want to enjoy this victory and then I will think about playing in the US Open.” She concluded.
Halep is only the second WTA player to have won multiple titles so far in 2020 after also triumphing in Doha earlier this year.
