WTA: Simona Halep finishes Maria Sharapova’s successful run in Rome

Simona Halep completed the repeat of last year’s final at the WTA Premier Tournament in Rome: The Romanian defeated Maria Sharapova in three sets and will face Elina Svitolina on Sunday as in 2017.

Simona Halep is slowly grooving against Maria Sharapova, her long-time opponent: After losing the first seven matches to the Russian, Halep won the second semi-final of the WTA Premier Tournament in Rome after 2:24 hours 4:6, 6:1 and 6:4.

Like Sharapova’s quarter-final against Elena Ostapenko, the match against Halep was not for the faint hearted, especially in the third set. Halep broke early and Sharapova fought back. In the tenth game, however, the Romanian plays an aggressive return game, the last ball of the match landed in the net from Sharapova’s forehand. Halep celebrated her second win against the Russian.

Simona Halep can take revenge on Elina Svitolina on Sunday (live on DAZN). The Ukrainian celebrated an unchallenged victory against Anett Kontaveit in the first semi-final of the day. Svitolina prevailed in the 2017 final. Also favoured by the fact that Halep had to play after a mishap with a slightly damaged ankle.

Maria Sharapova will probably consider her appearances in Rome a success. The five-time Major winner will return to the top 32 players in the world with her entry into the semi-finals. A prerequisite for a seat at the second Grand Slam Tournament of the Year in Paris, which starts next Sunday.