Simona Halep battles back to stun Elina Svitolina to secure place in Qatar final

Simona Halep was at her dogged best as she produced a fine comeback to beat Elina Svitolina in the semi-finals of the Qatar Open.
The former world number one claimed the first set, but it all started to go wrong for her after that.
She surrendered the second and was 4-1 down in the third, but somehow mustered the resilience to fight back and claim a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 win.
“I’m happy because I didn’t give up,” Halep said to the WTA’s official website.
“The two finals that I played against her in Rome I gave up and I was not ready to fight.
“Now I change that, and it makes me happier, because I showed myself that I’m able to do that.
“The mental part is really important… but definitely today I was stronger physically as well, because against Svitolina (it) is never easy to win a match. She’s very strong on the legs.”
Halep will now face unseeded Belgian Elise Mertens in Saturday’s final after she produced a brilliant 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 success over Angelique Kerber.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Australian Open
Victoria Azarenka snaps back at questions over Novak Djokovic’s dad: ‘You can spin the story however you want’
Victoria Azarenka unimpressed about line of questioning.
-
Tennis News
Stefanos Tsitsipas on being within touching distance of No 1 spot: ‘I like that number. It’s all about you’
Stefanos Tsitsipas one win away from a maiden Grand Slam title and the No 1 ranking.
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas into first Australian Open final after overcoming wobble and Karen Khachanov
The Greek will bid for a first Grand Slam title on Sunday.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal gives fitness and comeback update following latest injury setback
Rafael Nadal to miss Dubai event while there are doubts over his participation in Sunshine Double.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s father won’t attend semi-final after flag furore – ‘I had no intention of being caught up in this’
Srdjan Djokovic stood next to a man holding a Russia flag with Vladimir Putin’s face on.
-
Live Tennis
2023 Australian Open: Follow day 12 with T365’s live scores and results centre…
This way for the action from the 2023 Australian Open.
-
Tennis News
Does Matteo Berrettini have a new love interest?
Matteo Berrettini has been spotted with former model Melissa Satta.
-
Australian Open
2023 Australian Open women’s final info, form, H2H, preview: Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka
All the info you need ahead of the 2023 Australian Open women’s final.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina: Why the quiet girl is set to dominate Grand Slam tennis
Elena Rybakina could be an all-timer.
-
Tennis News
Mats Wilander expects Elena Rybakina to make ’10 Grand Slam finals’
Elena Rybakina beat Victoria Azarenka to set up a final with Aryna Sabalenka.