Simona Halep made a thrilling comeback against Jessica Pegula in the semifinals of the WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto. Leading in sets 0-1, the former leader did not give up the fight and qualified in the final action, saying she was satisfied with her performance.

Simona HalepPhoto: Christopher Katsarov / AP – The Associated Press / Profimedia

After two hours of play and scores of 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in sets, Simona Halep defeated Jessica Pegula and reached the final of the Canadian tournament.

Simona Halep is satisfied with her performance in the WTA Toronto semi-finals

“First of all, I’d like to thank you all for your crazy support today.

It was an incredible match, she’s a great player, she’s in the top 10. I didn’t give up. I fought until the end and I’m happy with how I fought, it was a big challenge.

I changed my tactics a bit. In the first set I didn’t feel the rhythm at all, she played very well, then I tried to push her away and I succeeded.

This is the first final with Patrick Muratoglu, I want to thank him because he is on my side, because he motivates me to fight and never give up.” – Simona Halep.

Know:

  • Simona Halep will fight for the Toronto trophy with the winner of the match Beatrice Haddad Maia (Brazil, 24 WTA) – Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic, favorite 14).
  • By advancing to the final, Simona Halep secured a prize of $259,100 and 585 points in the WTA singles ranking.
  • Simona Halep is ranked No. 9 in the WTA Live rankings (up six places), and a win in the Canadian event would help her reach No. 6 in the world rankings. At the beginning of the year, the Romanian announced that her goal this year is to return to the WTA Top 10.
  • Halep won the Rogers Cup (the previous name of the competition) twice in 2016 and 2018, but in Montreal. In 2021, Simona Halep was stopped in the second round, losing to Danielle Collins.

A virtual tour of Simona Halep at the tournament in Toronto

First round: 6-0, 6-2 vs. Donna Vekic

Second round: 6-4, 6-2 against Shuai Zhang

Best: 6-2, 7-5 vs. Jill Teichmann

Quarters: 6-4, 7-6(2) vs. Corey Gauff

Semifinals: 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 vs. Jessica Pegula

Final: Beatrice Haddad Maia / Karolina Plishkova.