Simona Halep tops Maria Sharapova for the first time in her career
By Harry Floyd
Simona Halep tops former world No. 1 Maria Sharapova for the first time in her career. Sharapova was previously 7-0 against Halep.
Simona Halep bests Maria Sharapova for the first time at the 2017 China Open.
The Romanian tennis star was 0-7 going into her match with Sharapova in Beijing. The two previously squared off during the first round of the 2017 US Open.
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Earlier this year, Sharapova continued her dominance over Halep at the US Open. The five-time Grand Slam champion ousted Halep in three sets at the major tournament. Now, the Romanian tennis star has her revenge.
The tables have turned in the Halep-Sharapova rivalry.
Simona Halep, the current world No. 2 on the WTA Tour, defeats the Russian tennis star in straight sets. She takes the match in fine form, winning 6-2, 6-2. Up next for Halep is Daria Kasatkina in the quarterfinals at the China Open.
Halep faces back-to-back Russian tennis players this week in Beijing. Kasatkina is the current world No. 34 in women’s singles tennis. She has one title to her name on the year. At just 20-years-old, the young Russian is making a name for herself on the WTA Tour. An upset over Halep would be huge for the rising tennis star.
Simona Halep is out for redemption down the stretch.
The world No. 2 has one singles title on the year. She has, however, come close to several other tournament wins. Her 2017 WTA Tour even featured a runner-up finish at the French Open and a quarterfinals appearance at Wimbledon.
Also in action at the China Open is No. 5 seed Caroline Wozniacki. She squares off against two-time Grand Slam winner Petra Kvitová on Thursday. Several top seeds remain in action in Beijing. With players vying for the final qualifying spots to the end of year finals, there is no doubt that we are set for a thrilling finish at the 2017 China Open. Stay tuned to see how Simona Halep and others fare throughout the rest of the week.