Simona Halep feels positive vibes following dominant Dubai victory

World no. 2 and 2015 Dubai champion Simona Halep is through to her 37th WTA final and the first since Wimbledon last year, beating Jennifer Brady 6-2, 6-0 in 62 minutes. The Romanian had to save match points against Ons Jabeur in the second round, finding the rhythm in sets tow and three against Aryna Sabalenka and defeating the American in no time at all after one of her best performances since Wimbledon last year. Halep lost 15 points in seven service games, fending off both break chances she faced and taking almost 60% of the return points to grab five breaks from eight opportunities and control the scoreboard all the time. Simona had the upper hand on the court with 16 winners and eight unforced errors, forcing many mistakes from Brady and crumbling the rival with deep and precise shots that Jennifer couldn't deal with. In the final, the Romanian will face an in-form Kazakh Elena Rybakina who is through to already her fourth WTA final of the season, cracking the top-20 and marching towards the elite ten if she continues to play like this. 

"It felt much better than previous matches; I played well," said Halep. "Everything went to my side and I felt the ball great. I feel like I played the best match since I came here. Yeah, it's fun when you feel the ball and when you can do anything you want. Today it was one of those days; I could open the court easy. It's always a nice opportunity and privilege to play the last match of the tournament. I play for another trophy, so I'm relaxed and focused; I want it. Loving to play here in Dubai makes me happy on court and that's why I can improve my game every day. It's amazing what Elena has done this year. I saw her a little bit during some matches; she has a big serve. I have to pay attention to my return and to be like today: confident, aggressive if there is a chance, just fighting."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3c3AVyD