‘I’m focused. I really want it,’ says Simona Halep ahead of Dubai final against Elena Rybakina

It finally all came together for Simona Halep at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships as she brushed aside Jennifer Brady to book a final date with Elena Rybakina.
After needing three sets to beat Ons Jabeur in her first match and another three sets to beat Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-final, Halep had no such problems in the semi-final.
The top seed dropped only two games as she beat the American qualifier 6-2, 6-0 in just over an hour.
Locked in 🔒
The No.1 seed @Simona_Halep defeats Brady, 6-2, 6-0 and secures a spot in the @DDFTennis final! pic.twitter.com/sWiq1b30PL
— WTA (@WTA) February 21, 2020
“It felt much better than previous matches,” Halep, who won the tournament in 2015, said. “I played really well. Everything went in my side. I felt the ball great. I feel like I played the best match since I came here.”
She added: “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. I’m focused. I really want it.”
The impressive Rybakina will be her opponent in the showpiece match after the 20-year-old reached her fourth final of the year with a 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-2) win over eighth seed Petra Martic.
4️⃣-0️⃣ in semifinals this year!
Elena Rybakina defeats Martic, 7-6(5), 7-6(2) to advance to the @DDFTennis final. pic.twitter.com/7fYNd4JDBn
— WTA (@WTA) February 21, 2020
Two-time Grand Slam winner Halep, though, had nothing but praise for Rybakina.
“It’s amazing what [Rybakina’s] done already this year,” the world No 2 said. “I saw her a little bit during some matches.”
She added: “She has a big servel. I have to pay attention on my return and to be like today: confident, aggressive if there is a chance, just fighting. It’s the best thing to do now.”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
Davis Cup
Davis Cup Finals group stage draw does Great Britain no favours
Leon Smith’s side defeated Colombia away to secure a place in the finals.
-
WTA Tour
Jessica Pegula identifies the players to beat on the WTA Tour
Jessica Pegula wants to upstage the big guns.
-
News
Watch: Taylor Fritz gives girlfriend Morgan Riddle a coaching session
Morgan Riddle’s forehand needs some work but her content is ace.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz keen to play Novak Djokovic at his peak – ‘When he’s 100 percent, he’s the best’
Who is the best player at the moment? Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic?
-
ATP Tour
Christopher Eubanks to surge up ATP Rankings as stars like Jamie Foxx line up to congratulate him
Christopher Eubanks is enjoying a dream run in Miami.
-
ATP Tour
Daniil Medvedev ‘laid down for five hours, just relaxed’ due to rain delay
Daniil Medvedev was up way past his bedtime on Tuesday in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner ‘has everything to become No 1 in the world’
Darren Cahill highlights some areas that Jannik Sinner needs to improve.
-
WTA Tour
Jessica Pegula saves match points to beat ‘fearless’ Anastasia Potapova, up next the in-form Elena Rybakina
Jessica Pegula sets up Elena Rybakina showdown in Miami.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas slams ‘pretty bad’ ATP rule after being ‘forced’ to play while injured in Indian Wells
Stefanos Tsitsipas unimpressed by ATP rules.
-
ATP Tour
Mystery over Carlos Alcaraz post match message is resolved
The mystery over Carlos Alcaraz’s post-match message has been cleared up.