Simona Halep and Elena Rybakina Reach Dubai Final
(February 21, 2020) Top seed and former champion Simona Halep will face Dubai debutant Elena Rybakina in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday. 2015 champion Halep easily ended the run of qualifier Jennifer Brady 6-2, 6-0, and Rybakina edged eighth seed Petra Martic 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2).
While both Rybakina and Brady have made headlines by ousting seeded favorites during the week, Martic had quietly reached the semi-final by winning all three of her matches in straight sets. She also had a point to win each set in the semi-final. but a tenacious Rybakina fought her way out of trouble both times. Martic led 5-3 in the 1st set and held a set point at 5-4, and in the second set Rybakina trailed 4-1 and faced a set point at 6-5 before staging another comeback.
“So tired, but happy,” said Rybakina after reaching her fourth final in 2020. “First set it was not easy because she plays really good. She has really good slices. Her serve, it’s not flat like I played with Pliskova for example. It’s completely different style of game. It was not easy to start against her. But I tried to work every point.
“Second set, of course, I was 3-0 down, but I knew it’s going to be easier to win this set than play a third one. I wanted to win second so much. I didn’t start to serve good first set. Then in important moment I managed to serve really good. Serve helped me today. I was fighting every point. I think just fighting.”
In contrast to Rybakina’s struggle, Halep always looked the more likely winner against the adventurous but ultimately frustrated Brady. She faced and saved only two break points and completed her victory in 62 minutes.
“It felt much better than previous matches,” said world No. 2 Halep. “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. Yeah, it’s fun when you feel the ball and when you can do anything you want. Today it was one of those days, I could open the court easy. I felt like every time I hit the ball I feel it.”
Now she plays for her 20th career title against an opponent who has won more matches than anyone else this year. It is a challenge she is looking forward to.
“It’s always a nice opportunity and privilege to play the last match of the tournament,” she said. “I play for another trophy, so I’m relaxed. I’m focused. I really want it. Loving to play here in Dubai makes me happy on court, and that’s why I can actually feel like every day improve. It’s amazing what she’s done already this year. I saw her a little bit during some matches. She has a big serve. I have to pay attention on my return and to be like today: confident, aggressive if there is a chance, just fighting.”
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
February 17-22, 2020
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
$2.643,670
WTA
RESULTS – FEBRUARY 21, 2020
Singles – Semifinals
[1] S. Halep (ROU) d [Q] J. Brady (USA) 62 60
E. Rybakina (KAZ) d [8] P. Martic (CRO) 76(5) 76(2)
Doubles – Semifinals
[1] S. Hsieh (TPE) / B. Strycova (CZE) d [4] G. Dabrowski (CAN) / S. Zhang (CHN) 75 63
[5] B. Krejcikova (CZE) / S. Zheng (CHN) d D. Krawczyk (USA) / A. Riske (USA) 62 62
ORDER OF PLAY – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020
CENTRE COURT start 5:00 pm
[1] S. Hsieh (TPE) / B. Strycova (CZE) vs [5] B. Krejcikova (CZE) / S. Zheng (CHN)
Not Before 7:00 pm
[1] S. Halep (ROU) vs E. Rybakina (KAZ)
ATP
ORDER OF PLAY – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2020
COURT 1 start 11:00 am
Qualifying – [1] M. Ymer (SWE) vs E. Donskoy (RUS)
Qualifying – [3] Y. Sugita (JPN) vs [WC] P. Tsitsipas (GRE)
Not Before 2:00 pm
DOUBLES QUALIFYING
COURT 2 start 11:00 am
Qualifying – [WC] L. Musetti (ITA) vs [7] A. Popyrin (AUS)
Qualifying – Z. Zhang (CHN) vs [6] Y. Uchiyama (JPN)
COURT 3 start 11:00 am
Qualifying – [2] P. Kohlschreiber (GER) vs [WC] S. Carr (IRL)
Qualifying – [4] L. Harris (RSA) vs T. Fabbiano (ITA)
Not Before 2:00 pm
DOUBLES QUALIFYING
COURT 7 start 11:00 am
Qualifying – B. Rola (SLO) vs [5] D. Novak (AUT)
Qualifying – P. Gojowczyk (GER) vs [8] E. Ruusuvuori (FIN)
