Simona Halep storms past Garbine Muguruza to book spot in French Open final
SIMONA HALEP reached her third French Open final after she breezed past hard-hitting Spaniard Garbine Muguruza in straight sets.
The Romanian, who will also keep hold of the world No.1 ranking as a result of the victory, cruised to a 6-1 6-4 win and will meet Sloane Stephens or Madison Keys in Saturday’s final.
Haley made a flying start and was 5-0 in quick time as Muguruza made some wild errors.
Muguruza ratcheted up the intensity in the second set and broke in the third game when a powerful return forced an error, only for Halep to fight her way back to level at 4-4.
A marathon ninth game proved pivotal as Halep saved three break points to pile the pressure on the third seed.
Halep then seized her chance, moving 0-40 ahead and then raising her arms in triumph as Muguruza blazed a backhand long.
The top seed has been beaten in all of her previous major final appearances, including at Roland Garros last year by Jelena Ostapenko.
Halep said: “I think it was a very good level, the whole match, even if the first set was 6-1. She didn't give up a point. So it was very nice to play like that.
“I’m really happy that I could beat a player like Muguruza. She's a great opponent, a great player. And it's always tough against her.
“I think I played very well. And even if I repeat it, I played the best match here. So every day I play better and that makes me happy.”