Simona Halep is just one win away from claiming her first title in eight months following her latest win at at the Shenzhen Open in China.
Top seed Halep continued her strong start to the season with a 6-1, 6-4, win over compatriot Irina-Camelia Begu in the quarter-finals of the Shenzhen Open. The world No.1 was able to dictate play with the help of her aggressive game. Hitting an even ratio of winners to errors (15-15) and converting four out of her eight break point opportunities.
“It was a tough match, I know that she’s a very strong player and in the second set, you could see that she was improving her game. I was strong enough to hit the ball [well] in the end…and I’m really proud with my victory today. It was a tough one,” Halep said during her on-court interview.
The world No.1, who is yet to drop a set in the tournament, was in clinical form during the opening set. Dropping just five points behind her serve. Piling the pressure onto Begu, Halep secured her breakthrough in the fourth game after a backhand from her rival drifted out. Securing the top seed a break for 3-1. Two games later Halep grabbed the double break on her way to the first set after prevailing during a marathon 12-minute Begu service game, which concluded with a error from the world No.43.
Firmly in control of the match, Halep experienced more resistance from her compatriot during the second set. An exchange of breaks saw the momentum levels go up and down with the Shenzhen crowd being treated with some impressive play from both players. Still, it was Halep’s power that proved too much as she claimed four consecutive games to move into her first WTA final of 2018.
“I’m again in the final here in Shenzhen, I’m really happy to play the final again here. I always enjoy playing here and it’s going to be a big challenge tomorrow. I’m ready to play and we’ll see what’s going to happen.” She said.
.@Simona_Halep is first into @ShenzhenOpenWTA Final!
Downs Begu 6-1, 6-4! pic.twitter.com/qSzZmdy7tB
— wta (@WTA) January 5, 2018
Sharapova falls short
Awaiting Halep in the final will be current champion Kateřina Siniaková. The Czech sixth seed outlasted Maria Sharapova 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, in an emotionally-charged high intensity match.
With the decibel level of both players rising at the match progressed, Siniakova quickly found her footing by break twice during the opening set and winning 70% of her service points. The world No.59 was not afraid to show her emotions during the encounter. Illustrated by a heated argument with the match umpire during the early stages of the match after a point was awarded in Sharapova’s favour.
The former world No.1 was able to illustrate glimpse of her best form, but consistency proved to be her biggest problem. Resulting in a winner-error ratio of 17-18 as well as five double faults. Fighting back to level the match at a set piece, it was still not enough to deny Siniakova.
During the decider, it was the more experienced Sharapova that succumbed to the pressure. A double fault from the Russian rewarded Siniakova two chances to break for a 4-2 lead. She was able to capitalize on her first attempt after hitting a clean backhand winner. Continuing to fight towards the finish line, the defending champion prevailed on her fourth match point when a Sharapova forehand drifted beyond the baseline.
“It was hard to close it (the match). I was trying to not think about it and just fight for every point.” Siniakova said following her win.
Katerina Siniakova & @MariaSharapova meet at the net after a thrilling Shenzhen SF match pic.twitter.com/NHqnC75YI2
— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) January 5, 2018
Against Halep, the 21-year-old has already scored a win over her in Shenzhen. A year ago, she triumphed in three sets during the last 16 of the tournament. Although, Siniakova is staying grounded about her chances against the world No.1 this time around.
“I think it will be an absolutely different match tomorrow.” She said about playing Halep. “She knows me a little bit better and it will not be a tough match. I’m really happy that I am back in the final and I will just try to fight and show my best.”
Siniakov is bidding to become only the second player to win back-to-back titles at the tournament after Li Na achieved the double in 2013 and 2014.
