<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?title=simona+halep">Simona Halep</a> remained atop of the Women's Tennis Association rankings released on Monday with 7,421 points. French Open Champion Halep will finish the year as women's world number one for the second season in a row.

"Finishing the season as the world number one last year was a huge honour for me," Halep said in a WTA news release.

"To do it for a second time in 2018 feels like a special achievement, especially having also won my first Grand Slam this year."

Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki is at number two followed by Germany's Angelique Kerber.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka of Japan is at number four.

The Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova climbed one spot to fifth after her final run at the Tianjin Open. While France's Caroline Garcia jumped four positions up to the 12th after she won the Tianjin Open title over Pliskova on Sunday.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/KaPliskova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KaPliskova</a> has moved back into the Top 5 after her final run at the <a href="https://twitter.com/TianjinOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TianjinOpen</a>! 
 
Complete Rankings--&gt; <a href="https://t.co/aAAYOvJKZM">https://t.co/aAAYOvJKZM</a> <a href="https://t.co/suT6bgf8J9">pic.twitter.com/suT6bgf8J9</a>
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The current WTA rankings and point scores are as follows:

1. Simona Halep (Romania) 7,421 points

2. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 6,461

3. Angelique Kerber (Germany) 5,400

4. Naomi Osaka (Japan) 4,740

5. Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 4,465

6. Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 4,350

7. Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4,255

8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4,022

9. Julia Gorges (Germany) 3,785

10. Kiki Bertens (The Netherlands) 3,740.

Simona Halep remained atop of the Women's Tennis Association rankings released on Monday with 7,421 points. French Open Champion Halep will finish the year as women's world number one for the second season in a row.

Simona Halep remained atop of the Women's Tennis Association rankings released on Monday with 7,421 points. French Open Champion Halep will finish the year as women's world number one for the second season in a row. "Finishing the season as the world number one last year was a huge honour for me," Halep said in a WTA news release. "To do it for a second time in 2018 feels like a special achievement, especially having also won my first Grand Slam this year." Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki is at number two followed by Germany's Angelique Kerber. US Open champion Naomi Osaka of Japan is at number four. The Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova climbed one spot to fifth after her final run at the Tianjin Open. While France's Caroline Garcia jumped four positions up to the 12th after she won the Tianjin Open title over Pliskova on Sunday. .@KaPliskova has moved back into the Top 5 after her final run at the @TianjinOpen! Complete Rankings--> https://t.co/aAAYOvJKZM pic.twitter.com/suT6bgf8J9 — WTA (@WTA) October 15, 2018 × The current WTA rankings and point scores are as follows: 1. Simona Halep (Romania) 7,421 points 2. Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 6,461 3. Angelique Kerber (Germany) 5,400 4. Naomi Osaka (Japan) 4,740 5. Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) 4,465 6. Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 4,350 7. Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4,255 8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 4,022 9. Julia Gorges (Germany) 3,785 10. Kiki Bertens (The Netherlands) 3,740.

Simona Halep remains on top of world tennis rankings

Chinese number one Wang Qiang wrapped up the biggest win of her season Saturday, after an overnight rain delay forced her to wait to claim victory over world number five Elina Svitolina at the Hong Kong Open.

She needed just 10 minutes on court to end the Ukrainian's resistance, sealing the 6-2, 6-4 quarterfinal win with an ace.

The 26-year-old was serving for the match at 5-2 in the second set when the heavens opened Friday evening.

Svitolina, the tournament's top seed, was Wang's highest-ranked top 10 scalp this year.

She was unable to capitalise on her stay of execution despite breaking Wang to go 3-5 and then holding her own serve.

The Rome champion, who had been hoping to sew up qualification in Hong Kong for the WTA Finals, said Saturday that she was "fighter" and had come back on court believing he still had a chance.

"But in the end (Wang) had the advantage, she had the confidence definitely," Svitolina said.

"Yesterday she was playing really great tennis -- I was missing a lot, my game was really off."

She added: "It was a really bad performance from me so I was very disappointed that I couldn't play even 20 percent of the game that I can play."

Wang, the world number 24, grabbed headlines at the French Open with her straight-sets demolition of Venus Williams, offering a hint of what was to come, and later overcame Karolina Pliskova in both Beijing and Wuhan.

She also beat Caroline Wozniacki in 2013 aged just 21 when the Dane was ranked number 10.

The Hong Kong quarter-final was a repeat of August's US Open third round contest, which the Ukrainian won in straight sets, but here the tables were turned with Svitolina receiving a tennis masterclass from her opponent.

Both players came to the tournament in hot form, with Svitolina winning two WTA titles in just four months. She is battling four other players, including Pliskova, for the final three places at the WTA Finals in Singapore later this month.

Svitolina, who is now looking for a tournament wild card to boost her Singapore chances, is also in the hunt for a new fitness and main coach for next season.

Wang leapfrogged Zhang Shuai to become China's number one women's singles player after winning the Guangzhou Open in September.

It was her second career title after beating compatriot Zheng Saisai at the Jiangxi Open in July.

She has said she is aiming to break into the top 20 in the new year.

Wang, a semi-finalist in Hong Kong last year, faces former world number one Garbine Muguruza later Saturday for place in the final.

Chinese number one Wang Qiang wrapped up the biggest win of her season Saturday, after an overnight rain delay forced her to wait to claim victory over world number five Elina Svitolina at the Hong Kong Open.

Chinese number one Wang Qiang wrapped up the biggest win of her season Saturday, after an overnight rain delay forced her to wait to claim victory over world number five Elina Svitolina at the Hong Kong Open. She needed just 10 minutes on court to end the Ukrainian's resistance, sealing the 6-2, 6-4 quarterfinal win with an ace. The 26-year-old was serving for the match at 5-2 in the second set when the heavens opened Friday evening. Svitolina, the tournament's top seed, was Wang's highest-ranked top 10 scalp this year. She was unable to capitalise on her stay of execution despite breaking Wang to go 3-5 and then holding her own serve. The Rome champion, who had been hoping to sew up qualification in Hong Kong for the WTA Finals, said Saturday that she was "fighter" and had come back on court believing he still had a chance. "But in the end (Wang) had the advantage, she had the confidence definitely," Svitolina said. "Yesterday she was playing really great tennis -- I was missing a lot, my game was really off." She added: "It was a really bad performance from me so I was very disappointed that I couldn't play even 20 percent of the game that I can play." Wang, the world number 24, grabbed headlines at the French Open with her straight-sets demolition of Venus Williams, offering a hint of what was to come, and later overcame Karolina Pliskova in both Beijing and Wuhan. She also beat Caroline Wozniacki in 2013 aged just 21 when the Dane was ranked number 10. The Hong Kong quarter-final was a repeat of August's US Open third round contest, which the Ukrainian won in straight sets, but here the tables were turned with Svitolina receiving a tennis masterclass from her opponent. Both players came to the tournament in hot form, with Svitolina winning two WTA titles in just four months. She is battling four other players, including Pliskova, for the final three places at the WTA Finals in Singapore later this month. Svitolina, who is now looking for a tournament wild card to boost her Singapore chances, is also in the hunt for a new fitness and main coach for next season. Wang leapfrogged Zhang Shuai to become China's number one women's singles player after winning the Guangzhou Open in September. It was her second career title after beating compatriot Zheng Saisai at the Jiangxi Open in July. She has said she is aiming to break into the top 20 in the new year. Wang, a semi-finalist in Hong Kong last year, faces former world number one Garbine Muguruza later Saturday for place in the final.

Wang Qiang downs Svitolina for biggest win of the year

Fourth seed Elina Svitolina successfully defended her&nbsp;Italian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep.

World number one Halep came through a tough three-set semi-final against Maria Sharapova on Saturday and was well off the pace, failing to coax even a single break point opportunity the entire match.

"It's amazing that I could come and defend my title here. It's really something very special for me," Svitolina said after defeating Halep in the Rome final for the second year in succession.

The Ukrainian, who has now won the last eight finals she has appeared in, stormed out of the blocks and kept Halep under relentless pressure, serving at a high level and chasing down everything the Romanian sent her way.

Halep converted only 15 percent of her first serves into points in a dire first set, and though she improved that ratio in the second, she made a total of 21 unforced errors to end any hopes of a comeback.

Svitolina wrapped up the victory in 67 minutes on her second match point, leaping into the air in celebration as Halep tamely netted a backhand.

On current form the Ukrainian will be surely ranked among the favourites to triumph at the FrenchOpen. The Roland Garros showpiece begins on May 27, and Svitolina insisted that she would not get ahead of herself.

"I will try to take one match at a time, it's very important in a grand slam," she added. "It's very tricky so we'll see how it goes, but definitely I'm going to enjoy (going to) Roland Garros on a high note."

Elina Svitolina successfully defended her Italian Open title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep

Fourth seed Elina Svitolina successfully defended her Italian Open title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep. World number one Halep came through a tough three-set semi-final against Maria Sharapova on Saturday and was well off the pace, failing to coax even a single break point opportunity the entire match. "It's amazing that I could come and defend my title here. It's really something very special for me," Svitolina said after defeating Halep in the Rome final for the second year in succession. The Ukrainian, who has now won the last eight finals she has appeared in, stormed out of the blocks and kept Halep under relentless pressure, serving at a high level and chasing down everything the Romanian sent her way. Halep converted only 15 percent of her first serves into points in a dire first set, and though she improved that ratio in the second, she made a total of 21 unforced errors to end any hopes of a comeback. Svitolina wrapped up the victory in 67 minutes on her second match point, leaping into the air in celebration as Halep tamely netted a backhand. On current form the Ukrainian will be surely ranked among the favourites to triumph at the FrenchOpen. The Roland Garros showpiece begins on May 27, and Svitolina insisted that she would not get ahead of herself. "I will try to take one match at a time, it's very important in a grand slam," she added. "It's very tricky so we'll see how it goes, but definitely I'm going to enjoy (going to) Roland Garros on a high note."

Italian Open: Elina Svitolina outplays Simona Halep to defend title

Defending champion Elina Svitolina moved one win away from her second title at the Italian Open on Saturday with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Anett Kontaveit.

Fourth-ranked Svitolina is aiming for her third title of the season following victories in Brisbane and Dubai.

She will face the winner from Maria Sharapova and top seed Simona Halep for the trophy on Sunday.

Defending champion Elina Svitolina moved one win away from her second title at the Italian Open

Defending champion Elina Svitolina moved one win away from her second title at the Italian Open on Saturday with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Anett Kontaveit. Fourth-ranked Svitolina is aiming for her third title of the season following victories in Brisbane and Dubai. She will face the winner from Maria Sharapova and top seed Simona Halep for the trophy on Sunday.

Italian Open: Elina Svitolina reaches second straight Rome final

Elina Svitolina joined former world number ones Justine Henin and Venus Williams as a back-to-back Dubai title winner on Saturday with a 6-4, 6-0 cruise past Russia&#39;s Daria Kasatkina.

Svitolina, the world number four, won her 11th career title after a 70-minute rout of Kasatkina.

&quot;When they announced our names, they saying that Justine and Venus are the only ones who defended their titles, I was like, &#39;Okay, c&#39;mon, you have to do this.&#39; It really motivated me,&quot; said the Ukrainian.

The 20-year-old Kasatkina came into the match after playing for more than nine hours in previous rounds this week, saving five match points over two matches.

&quot;I was pleased with how I played here this week,&quot; said Svitolina. &quot;I expected the unexpected.

&quot;I&#39;m happy with how I handled the pressure, I was very happy with my performance on the court.&quot;

Svitolina beat Kasatkina for the third time in as many meetings.

&quot;It feels great, when I had to play well, I played well. I was serving good, returning well, getting lots of balls back,&quot; said the champion.

&quot;It was a&nbsp;solid performance -- maybe not amazing tennis, but I was pretty solid. It was enough.&quot;

The winner broke in the fifth game of the opening set but was temporarily stalled as Kasatkina saved three set points in the ninth game before Svitolina served out the set a game later.

The second set was a mere formality, with Svitolina racing away to the 299th win of her career at all levels of the professional game.

&quot;Elina was the toughest opponent for this final,&quot; Kasatkina said. &quot;She was playing really good all week.&nbsp;In the final, she showed her best tennis.&quot;

The Russian admitted her energy reserves ran low after her hectic week on court.

&quot;(I feel) only positive things, I spent an amazing 12 hours on the central court. I won four unbelievable matches.

&quot;I didn&#39;t have enough (energy) for the final, but still it was very nice week.&quot;

Kasatkina is guaranteed a move to a career-best 20th on Monday.

&nbsp;

Elina Svitolina joined former world number ones Justine Henin and Venus Williams as a back-to-back Dubai title

Elina Svitolina joined former world number ones Justine Henin and Venus Williams as a back-to-back Dubai title winner on Saturday with a 6-4, 6-0 cruise past Russia's Daria Kasatkina. Svitolina, the world number four, won her 11th career title after a 70-minute rout of Kasatkina. "When they announced our names, they saying that Justine and Venus are the only ones who defended their titles, I was like, 'Okay, c'mon, you have to do this.' It really motivated me," said the Ukrainian. The 20-year-old Kasatkina came into the match after playing for more than nine hours in previous rounds this week, saving five match points over two matches. "I was pleased with how I played here this week," said Svitolina. "I expected the unexpected. "I'm happy with how I handled the pressure, I was very happy with my performance on the court." Svitolina beat Kasatkina for the third time in as many meetings. "It feels great, when I had to play well, I played well. I was serving good, returning well, getting lots of balls back," said the champion. "It was a solid performance -- maybe not amazing tennis, but I was pretty solid. It was enough." The winner broke in the fifth game of the opening set but was temporarily stalled as Kasatkina saved three set points in the ninth game before Svitolina served out the set a game later. The second set was a mere formality, with Svitolina racing away to the 299th win of her career at all levels of the professional game. "Elina was the toughest opponent for this final," Kasatkina said. "She was playing really good all week. In the final, she showed her best tennis." The Russian admitted her energy reserves ran low after her hectic week on court. "(I feel) only positive things, I spent an amazing 12 hours on the central court. I won four unbelievable matches. "I didn't have enough (energy) for the final, but still it was very nice week." Kasatkina is guaranteed a move to a career-best 20th on Monday.

Elina Svitolina cruise past Daria Kasatkina to win Dubai Championship

Elina Svitolina is set ready to meet Daria Kasatkina in the final of Dubai Championship on February 24 at 8:30 PM as Svitolina beat Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-3 and in a stunner match,&nbsp;Kasatkina saw off&nbsp;Garbine Muguruza 3-6, 7-6 (13/11), 6-1, saving three match points in her semi-final which lasted two and a half hours to reach the finals. Svitolina is hoping to become just the third woman after Justine Henin and Venus Williams to win back-to-back Dubai titles.

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One more final here in Dubai ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/DDFTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/wrbSX3q07p">pic.twitter.com/wrbSX3q07p</a>
&mdash; Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina/status/967117062521925633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I&#39;m very pleased to be in the final again,&quot; said Svitolina after her fifth consecutive victory over Kerber.

&quot;It was a tough battle. I played well in the tight moments, I tried to focus only on what I had to do on court and let nothing else into my mind.

&quot;It should be a good final, Daria is playing well, and she&#39;s won some tough matches.&quot;

&quot;It was not my best day, I was trying to find my rhythm. But especially in my serve, I couldn&#39;t find it,&quot; the 30-year-old German said.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/DKasatkina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DKasatkina</a> talks about the &quot;fighting spirit&quot; that got her across the finish line and into the <a href="https://twitter.com/DDFTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDFTennis</a> final. <a href="https://t.co/ZpcdWz0ifb">pic.twitter.com/ZpcdWz0ifb</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/967104293705728002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I was just trying to fight for every ball because Garbine, she&#39;s playing unbelievable,&quot; Kasatkina said.&nbsp;

&quot;She&#39;s a very tough opponent. She&#39;s hitting so hard, playing so fast. I was just trying to do whatever I could.

&quot;Before the match I was really, really tired. When you&#39;re going on court, the adrenaline is coming.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;You start to run, blood start to run into your body, that&#39;s it. You&#39;re just focused on every ball. The tired is somewhere, going somewhere.&quot;

Muguruza was aiming to become only the fifth player to reach both Doha and Dubai finals in the same season having lost to Petra Kvitova in Qatar last weekend.

&quot;My game was fine. I feel I really struggled physically because I&#39;ve been playing so many matches in a row. Today was very physical,&quot; Muguruza said.

&nbsp;

Svitolina is hoping to become just the third woman after Justine Henin and Venus Williams to win back-to-back Dubai titles

Elina Svitolina is set ready to meet Daria Kasatkina in the final of Dubai Championship on February 24 at 8:30 PM as Svitolina beat Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-3 and in a stunner match, Kasatkina saw off Garbine Muguruza 3-6, 7-6 (13/11), 6-1, saving three match points in her semi-final which lasted two and a half hours to reach the finals. Svitolina is hoping to become just the third woman after Justine Henin and Venus Williams to win back-to-back Dubai titles. One more final here in Dubai ???????? @DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/wrbSX3q07p — Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) February 23, 2018 × "I'm very pleased to be in the final again," said Svitolina after her fifth consecutive victory over Kerber. "It was a tough battle. I played well in the tight moments, I tried to focus only on what I had to do on court and let nothing else into my mind. "It should be a good final, Daria is playing well, and she's won some tough matches." "It was not my best day, I was trying to find my rhythm. But especially in my serve, I couldn't find it," the 30-year-old German said. .@DKasatkina talks about the "fighting spirit" that got her across the finish line and into the @DDFTennis final. pic.twitter.com/ZpcdWz0ifb — WTA (@WTA) February 23, 2018 × "I was just trying to fight for every ball because Garbine, she's playing unbelievable," Kasatkina said. "She's a very tough opponent. She's hitting so hard, playing so fast. I was just trying to do whatever I could. "Before the match I was really, really tired. When you're going on court, the adrenaline is coming." "You start to run, blood start to run into your body, that's it. You're just focused on every ball. The tired is somewhere, going somewhere." Muguruza was aiming to become only the fifth player to reach both Doha and Dubai finals in the same season having lost to Petra Kvitova in Qatar last weekend. "My game was fine. I feel I really struggled physically because I've been playing so many matches in a row. Today was very physical," Muguruza said.

Dubai Championship: Elina Svitolina to meet Daria Kasatkina in final

Elise Mertens d&nbsp;Elina Svitolina,&nbsp;6-4, 6-0

Unseeded Australian Open debutant Elise Mertens blew away world number four Elina Svitolina in straight sets Tuesday to reach a first Grand Slam semi-final.

The Belgian world number 37, on a 10-match unbeaten streak after winning in Hobart this month, knocked out the Ukrainian 6-4, 6-0 in 1hr 13min.

Mertens, who is yet to drop a set, is the first Belgian to make the last four since Kim Clijsters in 2012.

&quot;I&#39;m lost for words. I don&#39;t know what to say. I just gave my all today,&quot; she said. &quot;I played my game today and tried to stay aggressive.&quot;

Mertens, 22, trains with her coach and boyfriend Robbe Ceyssens at the Kim Clijsters Academy in Belgium and has seen her world ranking rise from 127 at the end of 2016.

She had never been beyond the third round of a Grand Slam before in four appearances.

&quot;He means a lot,&quot; she said of the importance of Ceyssens.

&quot;He&#39;s by my side all the time. Since we have been together my game has only gone upward. All credit to him.&quot;

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&quot;I&#39;m without words, I don&#39;t know what to say... I gave it all today.&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/elise_mertens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elise_mertens</a> goes on! She&#39;s the first ???????? to make an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> SF since <a href="https://twitter.com/Clijsterskim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Clijsterskim</a> in 2012. <a href="https://t.co/ckDSeFCaP5">pic.twitter.com/ckDSeFCaP5</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/955644957947129856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mertens made all the initial running, returning aggressively and mixing up her game cleverly, taking every opportunity to approach the net and cut off Svitolina&#39;s passing avenues.

She broke the world number four in the third game and then again for a 5-2 lead.

Serving for the set, Mertens tightened and a double fault on break point handed the Ukrainian a way back.

Mertens still had a second chance to serve out. Another double fault allowed Svitolina a glimmer at 15-30, but Mertens composed herself and landed three first serves to secure the set 6-4.

The Belgian had powered 16 winners to Svitolina&#39;s eight and significantly won nine of 12 points at the net.

Svitolina was immediately in trouble at 0-40 at the start of the second.

She saved those but a weak forehand into the net gave a fourth and Mertens landed an overhead smack on the sideline to secure the break.

Another break followed, and the third courtesy of a sumptuous backhand pass took Mertens to the brink of the last four at 5-0.

She completed the humbling of Svitolina with little fuss and will face either second seed Caroline Wozniacki or unseeded Carla Suarez Navarro for a place in Saturday&#39;s final.

If she makes it she will emulate Clijsters, who won at Melbourne Park in 2011.

Mertens had a message for her countrywoman and tennis great who she said would be following the match in the middle of the night back home.

&quot;Kim, thanks for watching and don&#39;t get too stressed.&quot;

&nbsp;

Elise Mertens defeated Elina Svitolina in straight sets to reach the semi-finals of Australian Open

Elise Mertens d Elina Svitolina, 6-4, 6-0 Unseeded Australian Open debutant Elise Mertens blew away world number four Elina Svitolina in straight sets Tuesday to reach a first Grand Slam semi-final. The Belgian world number 37, on a 10-match unbeaten streak after winning in Hobart this month, knocked out the Ukrainian 6-4, 6-0 in 1hr 13min. Mertens, who is yet to drop a set, is the first Belgian to make the last four since Kim Clijsters in 2012. "I'm lost for words. I don't know what to say. I just gave my all today," she said. "I played my game today and tried to stay aggressive." Mertens, 22, trains with her coach and boyfriend Robbe Ceyssens at the Kim Clijsters Academy in Belgium and has seen her world ranking rise from 127 at the end of 2016. She had never been beyond the third round of a Grand Slam before in four appearances. "He means a lot," she said of the importance of Ceyssens. "He's by my side all the time. Since we have been together my game has only gone upward. All credit to him." "I'm without words, I don't know what to say... I gave it all today."@elise_mertens goes on! She's the first ???????? to make an #AusOpen SF since @Clijsterskim in 2012. pic.twitter.com/ckDSeFCaP5 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2018 × Mertens made all the initial running, returning aggressively and mixing up her game cleverly, taking every opportunity to approach the net and cut off Svitolina's passing avenues. She broke the world number four in the third game and then again for a 5-2 lead. Serving for the set, Mertens tightened and a double fault on break point handed the Ukrainian a way back. Mertens still had a second chance to serve out. Another double fault allowed Svitolina a glimmer at 15-30, but Mertens composed herself and landed three first serves to secure the set 6-4. The Belgian had powered 16 winners to Svitolina's eight and significantly won nine of 12 points at the net. Svitolina was immediately in trouble at 0-40 at the start of the second. She saved those but a weak forehand into the net gave a fourth and Mertens landed an overhead smack on the sideline to secure the break. Another break followed, and the third courtesy of a sumptuous backhand pass took Mertens to the brink of the last four at 5-0. She completed the humbling of Svitolina with little fuss and will face either second seed Caroline Wozniacki or unseeded Carla Suarez Navarro for a place in Saturday's final. If she makes it she will emulate Clijsters, who won at Melbourne Park in 2011. Mertens had a message for her countrywoman and tennis great who she said would be following the match in the middle of the night back home. "Kim, thanks for watching and don't get too stressed."

Australian Open: Elise Mertens continues Cinderella run, beats Elina Svitolina

Former Australian Open <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-caroline-wozniacki-foils-jana-fett-enters-second-round-29806">champion Maria Sharapova ranked 48th the world</a> beat 14th seed Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in straight sets to enter the third round of the Australian Open at Melbourne.

Sharapova overpowered<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-elina-svitolina-survives-second-round-belinda-bencic-exits-29786"> her opponent &nbsp;6-1, 7-6 (7/4) as she</a> demolished Sevastova in scintillating style. The first set between the two players lasted just 23 minutes.

Even though Sharapova had difficulty in closing the match as Sevastova put up a last ditch effort to remain in the match, the Russian had no trouble in beating the Latvian who had stopped her in the quarterfinals of the US Open last year.

Sharapova may meet 2016 Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber in the next round if the German comes through in round-2.

Sharapova overpowered her opponent 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) as she demolished Sevastova in scintillating style

Former Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova ranked 48th the world beat 14th seed Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in straight sets to enter the third round of the Australian Open at Melbourne. Sharapova overpowered her opponent 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) as she demolished Sevastova in scintillating style. The first set between the two players lasted just 23 minutes. Even though Sharapova had difficulty in closing the match as Sevastova put up a last ditch effort to remain in the match, the Russian had no trouble in beating the Latvian who had stopped her in the quarterfinals of the US Open last year. Sharapova may meet 2016 Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber in the next round if the German comes through in round-2.

Australian Open: Sharapova demolishes Sevastova, enters third round

Defending champion, top-seeded, Roger Federer recently shared a picture with a cute&nbsp;quokka, from his tour of Australia. He is there to play the first grand slam of 2018, Australian Open.

Quokka, which is similar to a wallaby or kangaroo captured smiling with the legend as if it was waiting for this selfie moment.

Roger Federer is currently one of the favourites at the Australian Open due to his spectacular performance at the Hopman Cup 2017.

He along with Belinda Bencic of Switzerland won the Hopman Cup after defeating Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber of Germany in the mixed doubles final.

Not only him, Karolina Pliskova a &nbsp;Czech professional tennis player shared an image with Rennae Stubbs, an Australian retired tennis player.

In the image, both of them posed with a fluffy koala bear.

Also David Goffin, a Belgian professional tennis player seen pampering the same koala bear.

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???? Cuteness overload ???? 
 
Looks like <a href="https://twitter.com/David__Goffin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@David__Goffin</a> has a new boo. ????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ausopen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ausopen</a> <a href="https://t.co/qoomvpRe8u">pic.twitter.com/qoomvpRe8u</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953544192923377664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Seriously, too much cuteness. &quot;How much can a Koala bear...&quot;

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How much can a koala bear...? 
 
Two former world #1&rsquo;s apparently... <a href="https://twitter.com/KaPliskova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KaPliskova</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/rennaestubbs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rennaestubbs</a> meet a furry friend! ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/F50jqbNuIh">pic.twitter.com/F50jqbNuIh</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953509534579924992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Elina Svitolina of&nbsp;Ukraine doesn&#39;t look like a snake loving person. She appeared little frightened of the giant snake, Ahh, obviously.

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Safe to say: <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ElinaSvitolina</a> is not a fan of snakes ????????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ausopen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ausopen</a> <a href="https://t.co/Lobrg9lje9">pic.twitter.com/Lobrg9lje9</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953539677067161600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Just casual post match interview with <a href="https://twitter.com/Channel7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Channel7</a> ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#australia</a> ???? <a href="https://t.co/szGMl8bTE0">pic.twitter.com/szGMl8bTE0</a>
&mdash; Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina/status/953492159239344128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

David Goffin, a Belgian professional tennis player captured pampering a cute koala bear, Elina Svitolina snapped with a giant snake

Defending champion, top-seeded, Roger Federer recently shared a picture with a cute quokka, from his tour of Australia. He is there to play the first grand slam of 2018, Australian Open. Quokka, which is similar to a wallaby or kangaroo captured smiling with the legend as if it was waiting for this selfie moment. Roger Federer is currently one of the favourites at the Australian Open due to his spectacular performance at the Hopman Cup 2017. He along with Belinda Bencic of Switzerland won the Hopman Cup after defeating Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber of Germany in the mixed doubles final. Not only him, Karolina Pliskova a Czech professional tennis player shared an image with Rennae Stubbs, an Australian retired tennis player. In the image, both of them posed with a fluffy koala bear. Also David Goffin, a Belgian professional tennis player seen pampering the same koala bear. ???? Cuteness overload ???? Looks like @David__Goffin has a new boo. ????????#ausopen pic.twitter.com/qoomvpRe8u — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018 × Seriously, too much cuteness. "How much can a Koala bear..." How much can a koala bear...? Two former world #1’s apparently... @KaPliskova & @rennaestubbs meet a furry friend! ???? #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/F50jqbNuIh — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018 × Elina Svitolina of Ukraine doesn't look like a snake loving person. She appeared little frightened of the giant snake, Ahh, obviously. Safe to say: @ElinaSvitolina is not a fan of snakes ????????????#ausopen pic.twitter.com/Lobrg9lje9 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018 × Just casual post match interview with @Channel7 ! #australia ???? pic.twitter.com/szGMl8bTE0 — Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) January 17, 2018 ×

Australian Open: Tennis stars show love for animals

Elina Svitolina d Katerina Siniakova, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1

Elina Svitolina had to come from behind Wednesday against Katerina Siniakova to set up an all-Ukrainian third-round clash with teenage sensation Marta Kostyuk.

The world number four was largely in control but somehow dropped the first set on the way to a 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 win against her 59th-ranked Czech opponent in two hours and 14 minutes.

&quot;I think she played well in the first set but I gave her one break, so I think it was kind of my mistake,&quot; said the fourth seed.

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&ldquo;I thought I was going to melt!&rdquo; ???? 
 
[4] <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ElinaSvitolina</a> overcame being a set down and the heat to roll onto 3R, where she&rsquo;ll take on Marta <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kostyuk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kostyuk</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/XCzd3PXmwa">pic.twitter.com/XCzd3PXmwa</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953456913554878464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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But Svitolina cranked up the heat as temperatures rose on Rod Laver Arena, relentlessly overpowering her opponent from the back of the court to take the final two sets in dominant fashion.

&quot;I thought I was going to melt today, was struggling a bit&quot; Svitolina admitted. &quot;Today I had enough sun, I just want to have an ice bath and recover.&quot;

Svitolina came into the first Grand Slam of the year in top form after winning the Brisbane International warm-up event after picking up five WTA Tour titles last year, more than any other woman.

She now faces 15-year-old Kostyuk whose fairytale continued Wednesday as she became the youngest player to reach the third round since Martina Hingis in 1996 in beating local wildcard Olivia Rogowska in straight sets.

Luksika Kumkhum&nbsp;d Belinda Bencic, 6-1, 6-3

Venus Williams&#39; Australian Open conqueror Belinda Bencic ran out of steam Wednesday, failing to keep the momentum going against qualifier Luksika Kumkhum.

The Roger Federer-inspired Swiss stunned Williams in round one, but was no match for the Thai star who moved into a Grand Slam third round for the first time.

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???? 
 
It&#39;s tense stuff for Belinda <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bencic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bencic</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/HisenseArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HisenseArena</a>: Luksika <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kumkhum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kumkhum</a> has an early 3-1 lead in the first set. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/My5susATAh">pic.twitter.com/My5susATAh</a>
&mdash; #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/953449510096715776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bencic, 20, was never in contention on a searing day on Hisense Arena, slumping 6-1 in the first set before putting up more fight in the second only to succumb 6-3.

Only Tuesday, fellow Swiss Federer, who won the Hopman Cup this month alongside Bencic, had heaped praise on her.

&quot;She&#39;s still so young, she has a great career ahead of herself. I try to help her where I can,&quot; he said.

But he also added: &quot;Still so much to improve.&quot;

For Kumkhum, it was a major achievement in her seventh Grand Slam main draw appearance.

&quot;This is the best win of my career,&quot; she said afterwards.&nbsp;

&quot;I kept telling my coach and family that I want to pass the second round, so I&#39;m really happy.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-belinda-bencic-on-first-round-win-over-venus-williams-29570" target="_blank">Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-the-lucky-red-dress-saved-simona-as-she-survives-first-round-29680">Australian Open: The lucky red dress saved Simona as she survives first round</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-wawrinka-zverev-djokovic-progress-to-second-round-29679" target="_blank">Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-sharapova-enters-second-round-after-beating-tatjana-maria-29648" target="_blank">Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-roger-roars-in-round-one-29704" target="_blank">Australian Open: Roger roars in round one</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-pliskova-muguruza-konta-enter-second-round-29716" target="_blank">Australian Open: Pliskova, Muguruza, Konta enter second round</a>

&nbsp;

Venus Williams' Australian Open conqueror Belinda Bencic ran out of steam failing to keep the momentum going against qualifier Luksika Kumkhum

Elina Svitolina d Katerina Siniakova, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 Elina Svitolina had to come from behind Wednesday against Katerina Siniakova to set up an all-Ukrainian third-round clash with teenage sensation Marta Kostyuk. The world number four was largely in control but somehow dropped the first set on the way to a 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 win against her 59th-ranked Czech opponent in two hours and 14 minutes. "I think she played well in the first set but I gave her one break, so I think it was kind of my mistake," said the fourth seed. “I thought I was going to melt!” ???? [4] @ElinaSvitolina overcame being a set down and the heat to roll onto 3R, where she’ll take on Marta #Kostyuk. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/XCzd3PXmwa — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018 × But Svitolina cranked up the heat as temperatures rose on Rod Laver Arena, relentlessly overpowering her opponent from the back of the court to take the final two sets in dominant fashion. "I thought I was going to melt today, was struggling a bit" Svitolina admitted. "Today I had enough sun, I just want to have an ice bath and recover." Svitolina came into the first Grand Slam of the year in top form after winning the Brisbane International warm-up event after picking up five WTA Tour titles last year, more than any other woman. She now faces 15-year-old Kostyuk whose fairytale continued Wednesday as she became the youngest player to reach the third round since Martina Hingis in 1996 in beating local wildcard Olivia Rogowska in straight sets. Luksika Kumkhum d Belinda Bencic, 6-1, 6-3 Venus Williams' Australian Open conqueror Belinda Bencic ran out of steam Wednesday, failing to keep the momentum going against qualifier Luksika Kumkhum. The Roger Federer-inspired Swiss stunned Williams in round one, but was no match for the Thai star who moved into a Grand Slam third round for the first time. ???? It's tense stuff for Belinda #Bencic at @HisenseArena: Luksika #Kumkhum has an early 3-1 lead in the first set. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/My5susATAh — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2018 × Bencic, 20, was never in contention on a searing day on Hisense Arena, slumping 6-1 in the first set before putting up more fight in the second only to succumb 6-3. Only Tuesday, fellow Swiss Federer, who won the Hopman Cup this month alongside Bencic, had heaped praise on her. "She's still so young, she has a great career ahead of herself. I try to help her where I can," he said. But he also added: "Still so much to improve." For Kumkhum, it was a major achievement in her seventh Grand Slam main draw appearance. "This is the best win of my career," she said afterwards. "I kept telling my coach and family that I want to pass the second round, so I'm really happy." Watch: Belinda Bencic on first-round win over Venus Williams Australian Open: The lucky red dress saved Simona as she survives first round Australian Open: Wawrinka, Zverev, Djokovic enter second round Australian Open: Sharapova enters second round after beating Tatjana Maria Australian Open: Roger roars in round one Australian Open: Pliskova, Muguruza, Konta enter second round

Australian Open: Elina Svitolina survives second round, Belinda Bencic exits

Ukraine&#39;s Elina Svitolina laid down her marker as a serious contender for the Australia Open when she demolished Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 6-1 in the Brisbane International final on Saturday.

Svitolina won five titles on the WTA tour last year, more than any other woman.

She ended the year ranked sixth in the world, but will climb two places when the new rankings are released on Monday and will go into the year&#39;s first Grand Slam as the fourth seed.

Svitolina said she had worked hard in the offseason to improve her game and that work was now paying off.

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A special moment: Evonne Goolagong Cawley presents <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ElinaSvitolina</a> with the Evonne Goolagong Cawley trophy ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrisbaneTENnis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BrisbaneTENnis</a> <a href="https://t.co/YLix8Mypoc">pic.twitter.com/YLix8Mypoc</a>
&mdash; #BrisbaneTennis (@BrisbaneTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrisbaneTennis/status/949588016896462849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I&#39;ve started to play more consistently and there are lots of things that changed,&quot; she said.

&quot;I&#39;m stronger physically. I have a different look at my game.&quot;

The 23-year-old had a tough path to the decider, having to overcome top-10 players Johanna Konta and Karolina Pliskova and former world number six Carla Suarez Navarro along the way.

&quot;I didn&#39;t have any expectations for this week -- I was just trying to take it one match at a time,&quot; she said.

&quot;The first match was quite tough against Suarez Navarro. And I had a very tough draw.

&quot;It was very important to use what I was working on during the offseason, and it was working.&nbsp;

&quot;I was playing better and better and my serve worked really good during this week.&quot;

Svitolina was far too strong for Sasnovich, who struggled to cope both with the Ukrainian&#39;s serve and her relentless barrage of groundstrokes from the back of the court.

Sasnovich was playing in her first final on the WTA tour and her nerves showed in the early stages as Svitolina broke her early and raced away to a 3-1 lead.

The Belarusian steadied the ship but she was always under pressure and serving at 2-5, she cracked.

Svitolina pounced, breaking her again and wrapping up the set in 31 minutes.

Sasnovich was also playing her eighth match in nine days and her movement around the court appeared slightly slower than in her previous outings.

Svitolina was even more dominant in the second set, racing to a 5-0 lead before Sasnovich even got on the board.

However, it was a minor reprieve as Svitolina held serve to love to claim her 10th title in just 65 minutes.

Sasnovich refused to blame her busy schedule for her performance.

&quot;I don&#39;t know why it&#39;s like this, why I played so bad,&quot; she said.

&quot;I don&#39;t know, to be honest. Sometimes it happens. I played some good matches and this one was bad.&quot;

But the Belarusian, who will rise 35 places in the world ranking to 53rd, said her efforts in making the final had made her reevaluate her goals for Melbourne.

&quot;I have time to prepare for Australia Open,&quot; she said.

&quot;I hope to be ready mentally, physically, to be good there.&quot;

&nbsp;

Svitolina crushes Aliaksandra Sasnovich in Brisbane final in straight sets 6-2, 6-1

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina laid down her marker as a serious contender for the Australia Open when she demolished Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 6-1 in the Brisbane International final on Saturday. Svitolina won five titles on the WTA tour last year, more than any other woman. She ended the year ranked sixth in the world, but will climb two places when the new rankings are released on Monday and will go into the year's first Grand Slam as the fourth seed. Svitolina said she had worked hard in the offseason to improve her game and that work was now paying off. A special moment: Evonne Goolagong Cawley presents @ElinaSvitolina with the Evonne Goolagong Cawley trophy ??#BrisbaneTENnis pic.twitter.com/YLix8Mypoc — #BrisbaneTennis (@BrisbaneTennis) January 6, 2018 × "I've started to play more consistently and there are lots of things that changed," she said. "I'm stronger physically. I have a different look at my game." The 23-year-old had a tough path to the decider, having to overcome top-10 players Johanna Konta and Karolina Pliskova and former world number six Carla Suarez Navarro along the way. "I didn't have any expectations for this week -- I was just trying to take it one match at a time," she said. "The first match was quite tough against Suarez Navarro. And I had a very tough draw. "It was very important to use what I was working on during the offseason, and it was working. "I was playing better and better and my serve worked really good during this week." Svitolina was far too strong for Sasnovich, who struggled to cope both with the Ukrainian's serve and her relentless barrage of groundstrokes from the back of the court. Sasnovich was playing in her first final on the WTA tour and her nerves showed in the early stages as Svitolina broke her early and raced away to a 3-1 lead. The Belarusian steadied the ship but she was always under pressure and serving at 2-5, she cracked. Svitolina pounced, breaking her again and wrapping up the set in 31 minutes. Sasnovich was also playing her eighth match in nine days and her movement around the court appeared slightly slower than in her previous outings. Svitolina was even more dominant in the second set, racing to a 5-0 lead before Sasnovich even got on the board. However, it was a minor reprieve as Svitolina held serve to love to claim her 10th title in just 65 minutes. Sasnovich refused to blame her busy schedule for her performance. "I don't know why it's like this, why I played so bad," she said. "I don't know, to be honest. Sometimes it happens. I played some good matches and this one was bad." But the Belarusian, who will rise 35 places in the world ranking to 53rd, said her efforts in making the final had made her reevaluate her goals for Melbourne. "I have time to prepare for Australia Open," she said. "I hope to be ready mentally, physically, to be good there."

Tennis: Elina Svitolina clinches Brisbane title

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