Newly crowned Toronto champion Simona Halep looked tired during her match against Anastasia Potapova, but she respected her status as the favorite and defeated the Russian 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. After two hours and 15 minutes of play, pet Patrika Muratoglu advanced to the second round of the “WTA 1000” tournament in Cincinnati.

Simona HalepPhoto: Phamai Techaphan / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

The match between the 15th favorite and the lucky draw started with two breaks on each side. With the score 2-2 (30-30), the match was interrupted due to rain.

The two players returned to the court after an hour’s wait, and Simona won the first set, winning three games in a row (6-4, after the Russian led 4-3).

Simona’s physical problems (she held her hip many times) became more noticeable starting in the second set, and Potapova came back (Halep led 3-2, with a break) to win the set 6-3.

Although there were many moments when she seemed to be on the verge of elimination (she also requested the intervention of the medical team), Simona continued to play and qualified for the next round (6-3).

Know:

  • Simona Halep will beat Veronika Kudermetova (6-3, 6-3 with Barbora Krejcikova in the first round) in the second round in Cincinnati.
  • By qualifying for the second round, Simona Halep secured a check for $16,340 and 60 points in the WTA rankings.
  • Romania is also represented in the main draw in Cincinnati by Sorana Kirstia, who will play Petra Kvitova in the second round.

Simona Halep vs. Anastasia Potapova 3-0

During that time, Halep and Potapova met three times, and each time our athlete won.

2022, Cincinnati: 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 for Halep

2021, Moscow: 6-1, 6-4 for Halep.

2021, Melbourne Gippsland Trophy: 6-4, 6-4 for Halep.

Simona Halep, virtual circuit from WTA Cincinnati

I round – 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 against Anastasia Potapova

II round – Veronika Kudermetova

Optimi – Paula Badoz

Quarters – Ons Jabeur / Sorana Cîrstea / Petra Kvitova

Semifinal – Iga Svyatek / Garbinier Muguruza / Jelena Ostapenko

Final – Anette Kontaveit / Maria Sakkari / Aryna Sabalenko / Jessica Pegula / Emma Raducanu / Karolina Plishkova.

The Western & Southern Open is the last tournament before the US Open 2022

A WTA 1000 category competition, the tournament will be held on hard from August 15 to 21, 2022. Its total prize money is $2,527,250 and there are 64 players at the start of the main draw. The current champion is Ashley Barty (now retired from tennis), who won the title last year.