Simona Halep has broken new ground at the Italian Open after winning the title for the first time in her career during what was an anticlimactic final.
The world No.2 dictated proceedings from the onset against a weary Karolina Pliskova who struggled with her movement and was unable to push up whilst serving. The Czech entered the match with strapping on her right leg and had a medical time out on her back following the first set. After 33 minutes of play Halep stormed to a 6-0, 2-1, before the final was ended after Pliskova called it quits.
“It’s been nice playing two days in a row with a crowd. I know these times are difficult but thank you for coming. It was a good energy and I really enjoyed being here,” the new champion said during the trophy ceremony.
“I want to congratulate Karolina. I know it is not the way you want to finish a tournament but you have been playing great all week. I wish you a fast recovery.”
It is third time lucky for the Roamnian who finished runner-up to Elina Svitolina at the event on two previous occasions. En route to the title Halep dropped only one set in five matches played which was against Garbine Muguruza in the semi-finals. She has now won 22 WTA titles in her career which includes her three most recent tournaments. Halep is now on a 14-match winning streak and hasn’t lost a match on the clay this year heading into the French Open.
“Back in 2013 in Rome is where I started to reach the top of tennis and I was really happy that I could reach the semi-finals back then,” she reflected. “Since then I have started to play well and finally after two finals I have won the title. I love this tournament and I am really happy that I have this beautiful trophy in my hands.”
Meanwhile runner-up Pliskova now faces a race against time to be fit for Roland Garros which will get underway next Monday. She has only reached the second week of the Grand Slam once in eight attempts with a run to the semi-finals back in 2017.
“It’s disappointing for me to not finish today, but Simona was too strong and I have to always be ready 100 per cent to play a good match,” said Pliskova.
“I have great memories here in Rome making the finals two years in a row. I’m excited to come back next year.” She added.
It is the first time in the Open Era a women’s final at the Italian Open has been cut short due to a retirement.
