Simona Halep will take over at the top of the women’s rankings after reaching the final of the China Open, where Rafael Nadal bids for his sixth title of the year in the men’s event.
Simona Halep will take over at the top of the women’s rankings after reaching the final of the China Open, whilst Rafael Nadal bids for his sixth title of the year in the men’s event.
Halep beat Jelena Ostapenko in their semi-final 6-2,6-4, ensuring the Romanian will become the first female No1 from the eastern European country when the updated rankings are released Monday.
In order to top the women’s game, Halep had to reach the final in Beijing this week, and not lose to Elina Svitolina if she got there, to take over from Garbine Muguruza. Muguruza retired during her opening match on Monday with a cold and Svitolina was ousted by unseeded Caroline Garcia in a marathon quarter-final encounter.
“Of course it’s the best moment in my life, and I want just to keep it,” Halep said. “And I have few more dreams in my career. I tell you one, only one. To win a Grand Slam.”
Ostapenko entered their semi-final having not lost a set in Beijing, but Halep dominated from the start, breaking her opponent’s serve in the first game to love.
