World number one Ash Barty will not defend her WTA Finals title in Mexico next month after the Wimbledon champion decided to bring an early end to her 2021 season.

Barty won the season-ending tournament when it was last held in Shenzhen in November 2019 but the Australian will not travel to Guadalajara to participate in this year`s event running Nov. 10-17.

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"I wanted to let everyone know that I won`t be competing in any further tournaments in 2021, including the WTA Finals in Mexico," Barty said in a statement. "It was a difficult decision but I need to prioritise my body and my recovery from our 2021 season and focus on having the strongest preseason for the Australian summer."

Barty returned to Australia in September after a third-round exit from the U.S. Open, effectively ending a season during which she won five titles including Wimbledon. She had previously been omitted from the Australia team that will play in next month`s Billie Jean King Cup finals in Prague.

The 25-year-old will now focus on the build-up to January`s Australian Open, where she will look to improve on her run to the quarter-finals in 2021.

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"With the ongoing challenges of travelling back to Queensland and quarantine requirements, I am not willing to compromise my preparation for January," she said. "My focus is now on the Australian summer and doing everything I can to win the Australian Open. I can`t wait to play at home again."

World number one Ash Barty will not defend her WTA Finals title in Mexico next month after the Wimbledon champion decided to bring an early end to her 2021 season.

World number one Ash Barty will not defend her WTA Finals title in Mexico next month after the Wimbledon champion decided to bring an early end to her 2021 season. Barty won the season-ending tournament when it was last held in Shenzhen in November 2019 but the Australian will not travel to Guadalajara to participate in this year`s event running Nov. 10-17. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: British breakthrough as Cameron Norrie wins Indian Wells title "I wanted to let everyone know that I won`t be competing in any further tournaments in 2021, including the WTA Finals in Mexico," Barty said in a statement. "It was a difficult decision but I need to prioritise my body and my recovery from our 2021 season and focus on having the strongest preseason for the Australian summer." Barty returned to Australia in September after a third-round exit from the U.S. Open, effectively ending a season during which she won five titles including Wimbledon. She had previously been omitted from the Australia team that will play in next month`s Billie Jean King Cup finals in Prague. The 25-year-old will now focus on the build-up to January`s Australian Open, where she will look to improve on her run to the quarter-finals in 2021. ALSO READ: US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd "With the ongoing challenges of travelling back to Queensland and quarantine requirements, I am not willing to compromise my preparation for January," she said. "My focus is now on the Australian summer and doing everything I can to win the Australian Open. I can`t wait to play at home again."

Ashleigh Barty pulls out of WTA Finals to focus on Australian Open preparations

World number one Ashleigh Barty booked her place in the semi-finals of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/svitolina-starts-wta-title-defence-with-win-as-halep-sees-off-andreescu-258579">WTA Finals </a>on Thursday as the Australian made short work of Petra Kvitova, handing the Czech a 6-4 6-2 defeat.

Barty needed to win to be sure of progressing having won one and lost one of her opening matches, and she did so in style as she dominated to win in 88 minutes against a tired-looking Kvitova, who exits the competition with three straight losses.

"I felt like I executed really well tonight and I think overall I knew I had to come out here and play aggressively and play to win," said Barty.

"It was a really good match tonight and I'm really excited to have another chance to play here on this beautiful court."

Barty took the first set after breaking Kvitova in the fifth game, using her athleticism and movement around the court to put the Ukrainian under constant pressure.

The Australian continued her dominance early in the second set, breaking Kvitova twice in the first three games to establish a winning margin over the Czech, who racked up 31 unforced errors across the match.

Later in the evening, Belinda Bencic joined Barty in the last four after Kiki Bertens withdrew from their meeting after losing the first set to the Swiss.

Bertens, who came into the tournament after the first round as an injury replacement for Naomi Osaka, called for the doctor after losing the opening set and, after a brief consultation, headed for the locker room and a retirement.

"With Kiki, we were fighting a lot for coming here for the eighth spot for the WTA Finals, so it was nice to have a match for the semi-finals," said Bencic.

"But I'm sorry that maybe the gas ran out. It's the end of the season so everyone's exhausted and I wish her the best."

Bertens broke early in the opening set and surged ahead, only to surrender her own serve in the 10th game to allow Bencic to pull level.

The Swiss went on to claim the first set before an emotional Bertens withdrew.

"I'm super happy with how I fought in the first set, it was not easy," said Bencic.

"She was slowing the pace down well. It was tactically good from her, serving bombs, serving aces so it wasn't easy.

"But I'm happy with how I played and how I fought and I'm excited to be in the semis."

World number one Ashleigh Barty booked her place in the semi-finals of the WTA Finals on Thursday as the Australian made short work of Petra Kvitova, handing the Czech a 6-4 6-2 defeat.

World number one Ashleigh Barty booked her place in the semi-finals of the WTA Finals on Thursday as the Australian made short work of Petra Kvitova, handing the Czech a 6-4 6-2 defeat. Barty needed to win to be sure of progressing having won one and lost one of her opening matches, and she did so in style as she dominated to win in 88 minutes against a tired-looking Kvitova, who exits the competition with three straight losses. "I felt like I executed really well tonight and I think overall I knew I had to come out here and play aggressively and play to win," said Barty. "It was a really good match tonight and I'm really excited to have another chance to play here on this beautiful court." Barty took the first set after breaking Kvitova in the fifth game, using her athleticism and movement around the court to put the Ukrainian under constant pressure. The Australian continued her dominance early in the second set, breaking Kvitova twice in the first three games to establish a winning margin over the Czech, who racked up 31 unforced errors across the match. Later in the evening, Belinda Bencic joined Barty in the last four after Kiki Bertens withdrew from their meeting after losing the first set to the Swiss. Bertens, who came into the tournament after the first round as an injury replacement for Naomi Osaka, called for the doctor after losing the opening set and, after a brief consultation, headed for the locker room and a retirement. "With Kiki, we were fighting a lot for coming here for the eighth spot for the WTA Finals, so it was nice to have a match for the semi-finals," said Bencic. "But I'm sorry that maybe the gas ran out. It's the end of the season so everyone's exhausted and I wish her the best." Bertens broke early in the opening set and surged ahead, only to surrender her own serve in the 10th game to allow Bencic to pull level. The Swiss went on to claim the first set before an emotional Bertens withdrew. "I'm super happy with how I fought in the first set, it was not easy," said Bencic. "She was slowing the pace down well. It was tactically good from her, serving bombs, serving aces so it wasn't easy. "But I'm happy with how I played and how I fought and I'm excited to be in the semis."

Top ranked Barty books berth in WTA Finals last four

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bianca-andreescu-not-done-yet-after-grand-slam-breakthrough-248802">Bianca Andreescu</a> said that she has "forgotten how it feels to lose" after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canadian-teen-bianca-andreescu-topples-record-chasing-serena-williams-in-us-open-final-248338">US Open</a> champion reeled off her 14th victory in a row on Monday in Beijing.

The 19-year-old Canadian beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 in the China Open first round despite a second-set wobble.

But Simona Halep became the first major casualty in the Chinese capital, beaten by Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova, with the Romanian appearing to struggle with a back injury.

Andreescu's run of victories has brought her the US Open and her home Canadian Open in recent weeks, propelling her into the limelight.

"I wanted to just keep the momentum going," said the teenager, after her first match since stunning Serena Williams in the final at Flushing Meadows in early September.

"I'm on a roll right now, hopefully, I can just keep it up because I think it gives me a lot of confidence," added the world number six, who has qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals.

"I don't want to sound cocky or anything, but I kind of forgot how it feels to lose, which I think is a good thing."

Andreescu looked all set to carry on her blistering form against Sasnovich and emphatically captured the first set.

But she struggled with her serve in the second, totting up six double faults and was in danger of losing her cool in the Beijing heat and haze.

Normal order was restored in the deciding set, Andreescu breaking Sasnovich's first service game and then holding her own to take a 3-0 lead and an advantage she refused to surrender.

In round two the Canadian plays Elise Mertens, the world number 23 from Belgium.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fight-for-your-dreams-bianca-andreescu-embraces-path-to-us-open-joy-248384">Andreescu</a> said that her stunning victory at the US Open had yet to fully sink in, even three weeks on.

"But I think I've learnt a lot from the past couple of weeks, during the tournament, even after the tournament with all the media, all that," she said.

"I think I'm managing it really well. I think that's why I feel good coming into this tournament."

There was no such joy for the reigning Wimbledon champion Halep, who lost 6-2, 6-3 in 64 minutes to bring her China Open to an early end.

Halep, fifth in the world, was far from her best as she went down meekly to the 38th-ranked Alexandrova in the second round.

The 28-year-old was also forced out of last week's Wuhan Open because of her troublesome back, which she says has plagued her for more than a decade.

China Open title-holder Caroline Wozniacki swatted aside Lauren Davis of the United States, 6-1, 6-3, to give her the perfect start to the defence of her crown.

Bianca Andreescu said that she has "forgotten how it feels to lose" after the US Open champion reeled off her 14th victory in a row on Monday in Beijing. The 19-year-old Canadian beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 in the China Open first round despite a second-set wobble.

Bianca Andreescu said that she has "forgotten how it feels to lose" after the US Open champion reeled off her 14th victory in a row on Monday in Beijing. The 19-year-old Canadian beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 in the China Open first round despite a second-set wobble. But Simona Halep became the first major casualty in the Chinese capital, beaten by Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova, with the Romanian appearing to struggle with a back injury. Andreescu's run of victories has brought her the US Open and her home Canadian Open in recent weeks, propelling her into the limelight. "I wanted to just keep the momentum going," said the teenager, after her first match since stunning Serena Williams in the final at Flushing Meadows in early September. "I'm on a roll right now, hopefully, I can just keep it up because I think it gives me a lot of confidence," added the world number six, who has qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals. "I don't want to sound cocky or anything, but I kind of forgot how it feels to lose, which I think is a good thing." Andreescu looked all set to carry on her blistering form against Sasnovich and emphatically captured the first set. But she struggled with her serve in the second, totting up six double faults and was in danger of losing her cool in the Beijing heat and haze. Normal order was restored in the deciding set, Andreescu breaking Sasnovich's first service game and then holding her own to take a 3-0 lead and an advantage she refused to surrender. In round two the Canadian plays Elise Mertens, the world number 23 from Belgium. Andreescu said that her stunning victory at the US Open had yet to fully sink in, even three weeks on. "But I think I've learnt a lot from the past couple of weeks, during the tournament, even after the tournament with all the media, all that," she said. "I think I'm managing it really well. I think that's why I feel good coming into this tournament." There was no such joy for the reigning Wimbledon champion Halep, who lost 6-2, 6-3 in 64 minutes to bring her China Open to an early end. Halep, fifth in the world, was far from her best as she went down meekly to the 38th-ranked Alexandrova in the second round. The 28-year-old was also forced out of last week's Wuhan Open because of her troublesome back, which she says has plagued her for more than a decade. China Open title-holder Caroline Wozniacki swatted aside Lauren Davis of the United States, 6-1, 6-3, to give her the perfect start to the defence of her crown.

'Forgot how it feels to lose,' says Bianca Andreescu after 14th win on spin

From Naomi Osaka to Ashleigh Barty, eight women to watch at US Open

Elina Svitolina stretched every sinew in a brilliant display of defensive tennis to register the biggest win of her career&nbsp;as she rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Sloane Stephens in an enthralling WTA Finals title decider in Singapore.

Ukrainian Svitolina had arrived in Singapore woefully out of form, but the baseliner gathered momentum as the tournament progressed, winning all three pool matches and semi-final before subduing a fast-starting Stephens.

Stephens, who looks deceptively casual but possesses supreme speed and athleticism, settled the quicker and moved 3-0 ahead before going on to take the opening set with relative comfort.

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I am incredibly happy to end the season with a victory at <a href="https://twitter.com/WTAFinalsSG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTAFinalsSG</a> 💥 Many thanks to those who trusted in me!💙💛 <a href="https://t.co/s0th1bMm6b">pic.twitter.com/s0th1bMm6b</a>
— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina/status/1056595978084646912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It was Svitolina's turn to make the initial breakthrough in the second set when she capitalised on untidy play from Stephens to edge a break ahead, and she broke twice more to send the match to a decider.

The world number seven was dictating terms as a leaden-footed Stephens struggled to match Svitolina's relentless pace, and the Ukrainian broke three times once more to see off the American.

Svitolina's triumph was her 13th victory in 15 finals and should fill her full of confidence as she looks to make a Grand Slam breakthrough in 2019.

In the women's doubles final, second seeds Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos ousted top seeds Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in straight sets, 6-4 7-5.

Elina Svitolina stretched every sinew in a brilliant display of defensive tennis to register the biggest win of her career as she rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Sloane Stephens in an enthralling WTA Finals title decider in Singapore.

Elina Svitolina stretched every sinew in a brilliant display of defensive tennis to register the biggest win of her career as she rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Sloane Stephens in an enthralling WTA Finals title decider in Singapore. Ukrainian Svitolina had arrived in Singapore woefully out of form, but the baseliner gathered momentum as the tournament progressed, winning all three pool matches and semi-final before subduing a fast-starting Stephens. Stephens, who looks deceptively casual but possesses supreme speed and athleticism, settled the quicker and moved 3-0 ahead before going on to take the opening set with relative comfort. I am incredibly happy to end the season with a victory at @WTAFinalsSG 💥 Many thanks to those who trusted in me!💙💛 pic.twitter.com/s0th1bMm6b — Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) October 28, 2018 × It was Svitolina's turn to make the initial breakthrough in the second set when she capitalised on untidy play from Stephens to edge a break ahead, and she broke twice more to send the match to a decider. The world number seven was dictating terms as a leaden-footed Stephens struggled to match Svitolina's relentless pace, and the Ukrainian broke three times once more to see off the American. Svitolina's triumph was her 13th victory in 15 finals and should fill her full of confidence as she looks to make a Grand Slam breakthrough in 2019. In the women's doubles final, second seeds Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos ousted top seeds Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in straight sets, 6-4 7-5.

Elina Svitolina defeats Sloane Stephens to claim WTA Finals triumph

World number six Sloane Stephens cruised into the summit showdown of the ongoing 2018 Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Finals after brushing aside Karolina Pliskova in Singapore on Sunday.

After losing the first set, the 25-year-old made a thrilling comeback and conquered Pliskova in the next two games to eventually clinch a 0-6, 6-4, 6-1 win.

Reflecting on her victory, Stephens said that she knew that the match was going to be a tough one, but after she won one point, it helped to build up her confidence against Pliskova.

“Obviously, I knew playing Kaja [Pliskova] was going to be a really tough match," the Women Tennis Association (WTA) quoted Stephens, as saying.

“I had a bit of an adrenaline dump after I finally won one game - I was really fired up, so I was like ‘Okay, come on, let’s do this. I can win one game, maybe I can win two, then three’," she added.

Stephens, who is going to play her first final in Singapore, also expressed her happiness as she has outshined some great players in the tournament.

“I have done qualifying for my first final here, beating some amazing players, playing four really great matches.

You know, I'm happy with that. I just got one more to go. I'm just going to give it my all and see what happens,” she said.

Following the turnaround victory, Stephens will now face world number seven Elina Svitolina in the finals of the WTA Finals later today.&nbsp;

World number six Sloane Stephens cruised into the summit showdown of the ongoing 2018 Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Finals after brushing aside Karolina Pliskova in Singapore on Sunday.

World number six Sloane Stephens cruised into the summit showdown of the ongoing 2018 Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Finals after brushing aside Karolina Pliskova in Singapore on Sunday. After losing the first set, the 25-year-old made a thrilling comeback and conquered Pliskova in the next two games to eventually clinch a 0-6, 6-4, 6-1 win. Reflecting on her victory, Stephens said that she knew that the match was going to be a tough one, but after she won one point, it helped to build up her confidence against Pliskova. “Obviously, I knew playing Kaja [Pliskova] was going to be a really tough match," the Women Tennis Association (WTA) quoted Stephens, as saying. “I had a bit of an adrenaline dump after I finally won one game - I was really fired up, so I was like ‘Okay, come on, let’s do this. I can win one game, maybe I can win two, then three’," she added. Stephens, who is going to play her first final in Singapore, also expressed her happiness as she has outshined some great players in the tournament. “I have done qualifying for my first final here, beating some amazing players, playing four really great matches. You know, I'm happy with that. I just got one more to go. I'm just going to give it my all and see what happens,” she said. Following the turnaround victory, Stephens will now face world number seven Elina Svitolina in the finals of the WTA Finals later today.

WTA Finals: Sloane Stephens thumps Karolina Pliskova, enters final

Elina Svitolina put on a defensive masterclass to stifle the power of Kiki Bertens and advance to the WTA Finals title match with a 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4 victory over the Dutchwoman in a gripping encounter on Saturday.

The Ukrainian advances to meet either versatile American Sloane Stephens or big-hitting Czech Karolina Pliskova, who face off later on Saturday, in the final of the season-ending event being played in Singapore for a fifth and final time.

Svitolina arrived in Singapore out of form yet determined to "silence the haters", who she said believed she did not deserve to be in the tournament, and the Ukrainian has played brilliantly to win all three pool matches and her semi-final.

"In the end, it was just about running and chasing every ball... the level was very tough, we were both playing such good tennis, I was just happy to close it out," Svitolina said in a post-match interview.

A pumped-up Svitolina made the better start, chasing down every ball to earn an early break but the aggressive Bertens broke back as she began to find her range with a blistering forehand loaded with heavy topspin.

Svitolina had been a virtual spectator during the fightback but shook off her passive play and concentrated on depth as opposed to direction, taking advantage of mental lapses from Bertens to claim the opener when her opponent double-faulted.

A pep talk from coach Raemon Sluiter seemed to help Bertens iron out her unforced errors but the world number nine collapsed completely with the second set at her mercy, failing to convert four opportunities to level the match.

Svitolina just kept the ball in play and rallied from 3-5 down to send the contest into a tiebreaker, which the Dutchwoman edged after rediscovering her poise.

The Ukrainian emerged on top of three consecutive breaks at the start of a tense third set to stake an early lead in the decider and somehow rode the advantage all the way to the finish line, sealing the win with an epic hold in the 10th game.

"It feels amazing but there's still lots of work ahead of me tomorrow. It's going to be very, very tough but it will be my last match of the season, so I will leave everything out on the court," the 24-year-old world number seven added.

&nbsp;

Elina Svitolina put on a defensive masterclass to stifle the power of Kiki Bertens and advance to the WTA Finals title match with a 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4 victory over the Dutchwoman in a gripping encounter on Saturday.

Elina Svitolina put on a defensive masterclass to stifle the power of Kiki Bertens and advance to the WTA Finals title match with a 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4 victory over the Dutchwoman in a gripping encounter on Saturday. The Ukrainian advances to meet either versatile American Sloane Stephens or big-hitting Czech Karolina Pliskova, who face off later on Saturday, in the final of the season-ending event being played in Singapore for a fifth and final time. Svitolina arrived in Singapore out of form yet determined to "silence the haters", who she said believed she did not deserve to be in the tournament, and the Ukrainian has played brilliantly to win all three pool matches and her semi-final. "In the end, it was just about running and chasing every ball... the level was very tough, we were both playing such good tennis, I was just happy to close it out," Svitolina said in a post-match interview. A pumped-up Svitolina made the better start, chasing down every ball to earn an early break but the aggressive Bertens broke back as she began to find her range with a blistering forehand loaded with heavy topspin. Svitolina had been a virtual spectator during the fightback but shook off her passive play and concentrated on depth as opposed to direction, taking advantage of mental lapses from Bertens to claim the opener when her opponent double-faulted. A pep talk from coach Raemon Sluiter seemed to help Bertens iron out her unforced errors but the world number nine collapsed completely with the second set at her mercy, failing to convert four opportunities to level the match. Svitolina just kept the ball in play and rallied from 3-5 down to send the contest into a tiebreaker, which the Dutchwoman edged after rediscovering her poise. The Ukrainian emerged on top of three consecutive breaks at the start of a tense third set to stake an early lead in the decider and somehow rode the advantage all the way to the finish line, sealing the win with an epic hold in the 10th game. "It feels amazing but there's still lots of work ahead of me tomorrow. It's going to be very, very tough but it will be my last match of the season, so I will leave everything out on the court," the 24-year-old world number seven added.

Elina Svitolina rallies past Kiki Bertens to reach WTA final

Karolina Pliskova said patience was the key as she secured a first victory over fellow Czech Petra Kvitova to claim a place in the WTA Finals last four on Thursday.

Pliskova's 6-3 6-4 victory meant she completed her White Group play with a 2-1 record to advance to the semi-finals of the eight-woman tournament for the second year in a row.

A naturally-attacking player, Pliskova said the advice from her coach Rennae Stubbs to "stay disciplined" towards the end of the first set had paid off as she curbed her aggression to snuff out Kvitova's attempt at a comeback.

"Rennae said, 'Look, you both want to hit winners, but it's not really only about the winners today. So she can make more mistakes than you'" Pliskova told reporters.

"So that was the mentality today. I think that worked well, because I just didn't want to hit 20 winners.

"I did not want to be not passive, actually, but patient and I believe I was happy when I was in the rally. So I felt like I had a good chance to win all those rallies."

Pliskova, who had lost her first three matches against fellow left-hander Kvitova, said she had learned her lesson quickly after dropping her serve twice.

"I was just not serving that well, and not serving as clever as I can," she told reporters.

"So I just tried to mix a little bit and it was much better, because she started to hit the ball well after the first set, started to be more loose, so of course she has the ability to hit some winners, some good shots and good returns."

Pliskova's steady approach enabled her to profit from the stream of errors from across the net. Kvitova racked up 32 unforced errors, nearly double Pliskova's total.

"When you play some other girls, you really have time for your shots. But with her, you really have to build a point," she said. "And once she`s on the run, there`s a big chance she's going to miss, because she's going to overpower all those shots when she's running.

"So I just tried to move her around and change the speed. I just believed I have the weapons which can work against her, and I felt better on this surface than her.&nbsp;

"She was missing a lot. There was no reason to panic and no reason why I should be, like, overplaying or missing too much."

Karolina Pliskova said patience was the key as she secured a first victory over fellow Czech Petra Kvitova to claim a place in the WTA Finals last four on Thursday.

Karolina Pliskova said patience was the key as she secured a first victory over fellow Czech Petra Kvitova to claim a place in the WTA Finals last four on Thursday. Pliskova's 6-3 6-4 victory meant she completed her White Group play with a 2-1 record to advance to the semi-finals of the eight-woman tournament for the second year in a row. A naturally-attacking player, Pliskova said the advice from her coach Rennae Stubbs to "stay disciplined" towards the end of the first set had paid off as she curbed her aggression to snuff out Kvitova's attempt at a comeback. "Rennae said, 'Look, you both want to hit winners, but it's not really only about the winners today. So she can make more mistakes than you'" Pliskova told reporters. "So that was the mentality today. I think that worked well, because I just didn't want to hit 20 winners. "I did not want to be not passive, actually, but patient and I believe I was happy when I was in the rally. So I felt like I had a good chance to win all those rallies." Pliskova, who had lost her first three matches against fellow left-hander Kvitova, said she had learned her lesson quickly after dropping her serve twice. "I was just not serving that well, and not serving as clever as I can," she told reporters. "So I just tried to mix a little bit and it was much better, because she started to hit the ball well after the first set, started to be more loose, so of course she has the ability to hit some winners, some good shots and good returns." Pliskova's steady approach enabled her to profit from the stream of errors from across the net. Kvitova racked up 32 unforced errors, nearly double Pliskova's total. "When you play some other girls, you really have time for your shots. But with her, you really have to build a point," she said. "And once she`s on the run, there`s a big chance she's going to miss, because she's going to overpower all those shots when she's running. "So I just tried to move her around and change the speed. I just believed I have the weapons which can work against her, and I felt better on this surface than her. "She was missing a lot. There was no reason to panic and no reason why I should be, like, overplaying or missing too much."

Pliskova eases past Kvitova to book semi-final berth

Karolina Pliskova was delighted to gain a modicum of revenge against Caroline Wozniacki at the WTA Finals on Sunday after the big-serving Czech opened her campaign with a 6-2 6-4 win over an opponent who knocked her out in the semi-finals a year ago.

Pliskova has not enjoyed a great record against the defending champion, trailing 6-3 in head-to-head meetings before their latest encounter, but she served brilliantly this time to banish the memory of last year's loss to the Dane.

The pair had not faced each other this season which was unusual, Pliskova told reporters after opening her White Group campaign with a win.

"I remember last year we played a lot. So I was just happy that I got this top win against a top player. So it's always very positive, always gives me extra confidence to beat a player like this," Pliskova said.

"And especially her, you really have to beat because she's not going to give you anything.

"She was missing a lot in the first set, but she played much better in the second and I had to really fight for it. I was just happy that I closed it out in the second."

In their meeting a year ago, Pliskova was broken five times as Wozniacki battled to a 7-6(9) 6-3 triumph, so she was elated to have saved every break point the Dane earned in their rematch on Sunday.

"10 of 10, I know. I think that's the best statistic on my serve on the break points ever," the 26-year-old said.

"I know my serve was quite okay today. The percentage was pretty high. I just tried to hit first serves. The surface here, if you try to mix the speed, it's working well. So I tried to do that.

"I played pretty well on my service games. Not always under control, but she's a good player so she's going to put a lot of balls back, make you work for it. I'm pretty happy with the performance."

Wozniacki was obviously disappointed to lose her first round robin match but the Australian Open champion will be looking to recover in her second tie against Petra Kvitova on Tuesday.

"I think with someone like Petra, she can play maybe not as well in one match and extremely well in the next. I think you don't really know what to expect. I just have to be out there and ready for everything," Wozniacki said.

"I have a few things to work on, but there are still some positives to take with me.

"The good thing I suppose with this format is you're not out. You still have a chance. So I'm going to try to use my second life out here and try and get through."

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina is the other player in the group.

Karolina Pliskova was delighted to gain a modicum of revenge against Caroline Wozniacki at the WTA Finals on Sunday after the big-serving Czech opened her campaign with a 6-2 6-4 win over an opponent who knocked her out in the semi-finals a year ago.

Karolina Pliskova was delighted to gain a modicum of revenge against Caroline Wozniacki at the WTA Finals on Sunday after the big-serving Czech opened her campaign with a 6-2 6-4 win over an opponent who knocked her out in the semi-finals a year ago. Pliskova has not enjoyed a great record against the defending champion, trailing 6-3 in head-to-head meetings before their latest encounter, but she served brilliantly this time to banish the memory of last year's loss to the Dane. The pair had not faced each other this season which was unusual, Pliskova told reporters after opening her White Group campaign with a win. "I remember last year we played a lot. So I was just happy that I got this top win against a top player. So it's always very positive, always gives me extra confidence to beat a player like this," Pliskova said. "And especially her, you really have to beat because she's not going to give you anything. "She was missing a lot in the first set, but she played much better in the second and I had to really fight for it. I was just happy that I closed it out in the second." In their meeting a year ago, Pliskova was broken five times as Wozniacki battled to a 7-6(9) 6-3 triumph, so she was elated to have saved every break point the Dane earned in their rematch on Sunday. "10 of 10, I know. I think that's the best statistic on my serve on the break points ever," the 26-year-old said. "I know my serve was quite okay today. The percentage was pretty high. I just tried to hit first serves. The surface here, if you try to mix the speed, it's working well. So I tried to do that. "I played pretty well on my service games. Not always under control, but she's a good player so she's going to put a lot of balls back, make you work for it. I'm pretty happy with the performance." Wozniacki was obviously disappointed to lose her first round robin match but the Australian Open champion will be looking to recover in her second tie against Petra Kvitova on Tuesday. "I think with someone like Petra, she can play maybe not as well in one match and extremely well in the next. I think you don't really know what to expect. I just have to be out there and ready for everything," Wozniacki said. "I have a few things to work on, but there are still some positives to take with me. "The good thing I suppose with this format is you're not out. You still have a chance. So I'm going to try to use my second life out here and try and get through." Ukraine's Elina Svitolina is the other player in the group.

Pliskova revels in 'top win' over Wozniacki at WTA Finals

Elina Svitolina tore up the form book to open play at the WTA Finals with a brilliant display of serving and retrieving to register a 6-3 6-3 victory over Petra Kvitova at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Ukrainian came into the White Group opener at the eight-woman event on the back of seven straight defeats to the big-hitting Czech, but Svitolina was able to capitalise on her opponent's erratic play to record a stunning triumph.

"I had to stay focused and be strong mentally. That was the key as she strikes the ball pretty hard and I had to react quickly and move my feet. I need a massage now," Svitolina said in a post-match interview.

Svitolina is making her second appearance at the season-ending tournament and appeared focused and determined to make amends for a lacklustre display a year ago when she crashed out of the tournament in the round robin phase.

Both players appeared nervous at the start of the match as they struggled to find their timing on a court playing faster than ever, but Svitolina settled the quickest after dropping her opening service game and never looked back.

Kvitova, meanwhile, relies on her booming forehand to put pressure on her opponents but the left-handed Czech racked up a plethora of unforced errors and double faults to gift the opening set to an increasingly-confident Svitolina.

The Ukrainian continued to play an error-free brand of no-risk tennis to claim her fifth game in a row to open the second set and once she forged her fourth break of the match in the sixth game, the writing was on the wall for her opponent.

Kvitova, who won five tournaments in 2018, made one final push to get back into the contest but Svitolina held her nerve to close out the match when the Czech, who committed a costly 29 unforced errors, sent a lunging backhand into the tramlines.

"You need to play at the best level you can imagine because everyone is very strong. From the beginning you have tough matches and even if you don't start well, you are still alive and fighting for a semi-final spot," Svitolina added.

White Group play continues on Sunday when defending champion Caroline Wozniacki takes on Karolina Pliskova in a rematch of their semi-final at the same event last year.

Elina Svitolina tore up the form book to open play at the WTA Finals with a brilliant display of serving and retrieving to register a 6-3 6-3 victory over Petra Kvitova at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

Elina Svitolina tore up the form book to open play at the WTA Finals with a brilliant display of serving and retrieving to register a 6-3 6-3 victory over Petra Kvitova at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Sunday. The 24-year-old Ukrainian came into the White Group opener at the eight-woman event on the back of seven straight defeats to the big-hitting Czech, but Svitolina was able to capitalise on her opponent's erratic play to record a stunning triumph. "I had to stay focused and be strong mentally. That was the key as she strikes the ball pretty hard and I had to react quickly and move my feet. I need a massage now," Svitolina said in a post-match interview. Svitolina is making her second appearance at the season-ending tournament and appeared focused and determined to make amends for a lacklustre display a year ago when she crashed out of the tournament in the round robin phase. Both players appeared nervous at the start of the match as they struggled to find their timing on a court playing faster than ever, but Svitolina settled the quickest after dropping her opening service game and never looked back. Kvitova, meanwhile, relies on her booming forehand to put pressure on her opponents but the left-handed Czech racked up a plethora of unforced errors and double faults to gift the opening set to an increasingly-confident Svitolina. The Ukrainian continued to play an error-free brand of no-risk tennis to claim her fifth game in a row to open the second set and once she forged her fourth break of the match in the sixth game, the writing was on the wall for her opponent. Kvitova, who won five tournaments in 2018, made one final push to get back into the contest but Svitolina held her nerve to close out the match when the Czech, who committed a costly 29 unforced errors, sent a lunging backhand into the tramlines. "You need to play at the best level you can imagine because everyone is very strong. From the beginning you have tough matches and even if you don't start well, you are still alive and fighting for a semi-final spot," Svitolina added. White Group play continues on Sunday when defending champion Caroline Wozniacki takes on Karolina Pliskova in a rematch of their semi-final at the same event last year.

Flawless Svitolina eases past Kvitova in Singapore Open

The women's tennis season concludes at the WTA Finals in Singapore next week and, like a majority of tournaments during the 2018 campaign, picking a winner from a wide-open field seems a near impossible task.

With Serena Williams battling to regain fitness and top form following a difficult childbirth in 2017, the Grand Slams went to four different women for the second consecutive year.

Caroline Wozniacki was one of three first-time major champions when she captured the Australian Open in January and the Dane is back in Singapore to defend her WTA Finals title full of confidence and momentum.

The other maiden major winners were French Open champion Simona Halep and rising Japanese prospect Naomi Osaka, who stunned Williams in last month's controversial US&nbsp;Open final, while Angelique Kerber beat Williams at Wimbledon to claim her third Grand Slam title.

Halep is the only one of the four Grand Slam champions to miss the WTA Finals after a back injury forced the world number one to withdraw just days before the event.

Williams, who played in only seven events this year, three of them Grand Slams, has not been to the season finale since winning it in 2014, when it was first staged in Singapore.

The eight women who earned a spot at the tournament have been divided into two pools of four, with play getting underway on Sunday in the White Group when big-hitting Czech Petra Kvitova takes on Ukraine's Elina Svitolina.

World number two Wozniacki will open her campaign immediately after that clash in the other White Group match of the night against Czech Karolina Pliskova, a player she beat in last year's semi-finals on her way to the title.

"All the best players are here so there's no easy matches. I'm just excited to start the competition and do my best," Wozniacki said at Friday's draw ceremony.&nbsp;

"As defending champion I want to defend my title and end the season on a high."

Fan favourite

Kerber and Osaka are the top seeds in the Red Group with the German opening her campaign on Monday against Halep's replacement Kiki Bertens after Osaka takes on American Sloane Stephens, her predecessor as US&nbsp;Open champion.

Last year, Wozniacki rode the momentum of a late season surge all the way to victory at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and after the 28-year-old won her second China Open title earlier this month, she will be hoping for a similar outcome this time.

While half of the field have stuttered slightly after strong starts to the season, Osaka and Pliskova also have some momentum heading into the eight-day event, the Czech having beaten the Japanese at the recent Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo.

Osaka admitted she was mentally exhausted in that final following her draining triumph in New York and the fan favourite, who turned 21 just days ago, could confirm her arrival as a major force on the women's tour.

Pool play concludes on Friday, with the semi-finals and final taking place next weekend in the fifth and final running of the event in Singapore before it heads to Shenzhen in China for a 10-year run from 2019.

The women's tennis season concludes at the WTA Finals in Singapore next week and, like a majority of tournaments during the 2018 campaign, picking a winner from a wide-open field seems a near impossible task.

The women's tennis season concludes at the WTA Finals in Singapore next week and, like a majority of tournaments during the 2018 campaign, picking a winner from a wide-open field seems a near impossible task. With Serena Williams battling to regain fitness and top form following a difficult childbirth in 2017, the Grand Slams went to four different women for the second consecutive year. Caroline Wozniacki was one of three first-time major champions when she captured the Australian Open in January and the Dane is back in Singapore to defend her WTA Finals title full of confidence and momentum. The other maiden major winners were French Open champion Simona Halep and rising Japanese prospect Naomi Osaka, who stunned Williams in last month's controversial US Open final, while Angelique Kerber beat Williams at Wimbledon to claim her third Grand Slam title. Halep is the only one of the four Grand Slam champions to miss the WTA Finals after a back injury forced the world number one to withdraw just days before the event. Williams, who played in only seven events this year, three of them Grand Slams, has not been to the season finale since winning it in 2014, when it was first staged in Singapore. The eight women who earned a spot at the tournament have been divided into two pools of four, with play getting underway on Sunday in the White Group when big-hitting Czech Petra Kvitova takes on Ukraine's Elina Svitolina. World number two Wozniacki will open her campaign immediately after that clash in the other White Group match of the night against Czech Karolina Pliskova, a player she beat in last year's semi-finals on her way to the title. "All the best players are here so there's no easy matches. I'm just excited to start the competition and do my best," Wozniacki said at Friday's draw ceremony. "As defending champion I want to defend my title and end the season on a high." Fan favourite Kerber and Osaka are the top seeds in the Red Group with the German opening her campaign on Monday against Halep's replacement Kiki Bertens after Osaka takes on American Sloane Stephens, her predecessor as US Open champion. Last year, Wozniacki rode the momentum of a late season surge all the way to victory at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and after the 28-year-old won her second China Open title earlier this month, she will be hoping for a similar outcome this time. While half of the field have stuttered slightly after strong starts to the season, Osaka and Pliskova also have some momentum heading into the eight-day event, the Czech having beaten the Japanese at the recent Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo. Osaka admitted she was mentally exhausted in that final following her draining triumph in New York and the fan favourite, who turned 21 just days ago, could confirm her arrival as a major force on the women's tour. Pool play concludes on Friday, with the semi-finals and final taking place next weekend in the fifth and final running of the event in Singapore before it heads to Shenzhen in China for a 10-year run from 2019.

Caroline Wozniacki seeks repeat at wide-open WTA Finals

US Open champion Naomi Osaka secured a berth at the WTA finals, scheduled to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 21-28 October.

The 20-year-old, who became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles tournament after defeating Serena Williams in straight sets in New York last month, is the third player to confirm her qualification for the event.&nbsp;

World No. 1 Simona Halep and No. 3 Angelique Kerber have qualified ahead of Osaka.

"Qualifying for the WTA Finals is a huge accomplishment," said Osaka.

The Japanese tennis star defeated Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia to win a junior version of the Singapore tournament and will be returning for the first time as a senior.

"Winning the WTA Rising Stars Invitational in 2015 helped give me the confidence to play on the big stages, so I am excited to go back to Singapore and compete with the top players of the season," she added.

It would be Osaka's maiden appearance in the WTA Finals singles competition, which features only the top eight players of the women’s tennis season.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka secured a berth at the WTA finals, scheduled to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 21-28 October. The 20-year-old, who became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles tournament after defeating Serena Williams in straight sets in New York last month, is the third player to confirm her qualification for the event.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka secured a berth at the WTA finals, scheduled to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 21-28 October. The 20-year-old, who became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles tournament after defeating Serena Williams in straight sets in New York last month, is the third player to confirm her qualification for the event. World No. 1 Simona Halep and No. 3 Angelique Kerber have qualified ahead of Osaka. "Qualifying for the WTA Finals is a huge accomplishment," said Osaka. The Japanese tennis star defeated Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia to win a junior version of the Singapore tournament and will be returning for the first time as a senior. "Winning the WTA Rising Stars Invitational in 2015 helped give me the confidence to play on the big stages, so I am excited to go back to Singapore and compete with the top players of the season," she added. It would be Osaka's maiden appearance in the WTA Finals singles competition, which features only the top eight players of the women’s tennis season.

US Open champ Naomi Osaka secures WTA Finals berth

Angelique Kerber, a German professional tennis player, is all set to compete in the WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai.&nbsp;

The former world number 1 will be facing Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in the Zhuhai.&nbsp;

Kerber rose to fame after reaching the semi-finals of 2011 US Open when she was ranked 92 player in the world.

She was escalated to the top of the rankings on 12 September 2016, becoming the twenty-second and oldest player to achieve the number one ranking for the first time.

She had earned 10 Singles titles across all surfaces on the WTA tour.

She had also won an Olympic silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

The WTA Elite Trophy is a round-robin tournament for the top players who could not qualify for the WTA finals.&nbsp;

The tournament includes 12 players which are divided into four groups of three members each. The group winners reach the semi-finals.&nbsp;

Kerber will be playing along with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Ashleigh Barty.&nbsp;

She made her professional debut in 2003.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The former world number 1 will be facing Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in the Zhuhai

Angelique Kerber, a German professional tennis player, is all set to compete in the WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai. The former world number 1 will be facing Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in the Zhuhai. Kerber rose to fame after reaching the semi-finals of 2011 US Open when she was ranked 92 player in the world. She was escalated to the top of the rankings on 12 September 2016, becoming the twenty-second and oldest player to achieve the number one ranking for the first time. She had earned 10 Singles titles across all surfaces on the WTA tour. She had also won an Olympic silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. The WTA Elite Trophy is a round-robin tournament for the top players who could not qualify for the WTA finals. The tournament includes 12 players which are divided into four groups of three members each. The group winners reach the semi-finals. Kerber will be playing along with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Ashleigh Barty. She made her professional debut in 2003.

WTA Elite Trophy: Angelique Kerber to face Russian Pavlyuchenkova

Angelique Kerber was presented with the end-of-year trophy as the world&rsquo;s number one player after all but booking her place in the knockout stage of the WTA Finals with a clinical 6-4 6-2 win over Romania&rsquo;s Simona Halep on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old was already assured of finishing 2016 at the top of the rankings after Serena Williams withdrew from the WTA Finals with a shoulder injury but it was officially recognised when she was handed the trophy and a sparkling diamond ring.

Kerber, looking sharper and more focused than she was in her opening round-robin victory over Slovakia&rsquo;s Dominika Cibulkova, was all smiles after she posted a surprisingly lop-sided victory over the combative Halep, who had looked in ominous touch during her opening match win over American Madison Keys.

&ldquo;I was feeling very well today. I think that I was moving good and I was going for it when I had the chance. I think that was the key,&rdquo; Kerber said.

&ldquo;For me, I think it&#39;s always good when I start a tournament with tight and close matches where I get my confidence.&rdquo;

A finalist at the end-of-season championship two years ago, Halep was brimming with confidence ahead of her clash with Kerber but found the lefthander too good on Singapore&rsquo;s slow indoor hardcourts.

Kerber, electing to receive first, broke Halep&rsquo;s opening service game and despite later dropping her serve and falling 4-3 behind, the German reeled off the last three games in a row to take the opening set after just 43 minutes.

Kerber was even more dominant in the second set as Halep, one of the best returners in the game, struggled to impose her own game on the in-form German, who reached the top of the world rankings when she won the US Open last month.

Two service breaks gave Kerber the advantage she needed and although Halep saved the first two break points she faced with two spectacular winners, it was too little late as Kerber wrapped up the win.

&ldquo;I had the opportunity to get that first set. I was coming back very well. But, maybe I didn&#39;t finish the important points,&rdquo; Halep said.

&ldquo;But she played a great tennis. She&#39;s very strong and on her legs she&#39;s moving great. She deserved to win.&rdquo;

Despite winning her first two matches, Kerber still has a mathematical chance of missing out on the semi-finals of the elite $7 million tournament after Keys beat Cibulkova 6-1 6-4 in Tuesday&rsquo;s other Red Group match.

Kerber plays Keys in their final group match on Thursday while Halep faces Cibulkova.

(AFP)

Kerber plays Keys in their final group match on Thursday while Halep faces Cibulkova

Angelique Kerber was presented with the end-of-year trophy as the world’s number one player after all but booking her place in the knockout stage of the WTA Finals with a clinical 6-4 6-2 win over Romania’s Simona Halep on Tuesday. The 28-year-old was already assured of finishing 2016 at the top of the rankings after Serena Williams withdrew from the WTA Finals with a shoulder injury but it was officially recognised when she was handed the trophy and a sparkling diamond ring. Kerber, looking sharper and more focused than she was in her opening round-robin victory over Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova, was all smiles after she posted a surprisingly lop-sided victory over the combative Halep, who had looked in ominous touch during her opening match win over American Madison Keys. “I was feeling very well today. I think that I was moving good and I was going for it when I had the chance. I think that was the key,” Kerber said. “For me, I think it's always good when I start a tournament with tight and close matches where I get my confidence.” A finalist at the end-of-season championship two years ago, Halep was brimming with confidence ahead of her clash with Kerber but found the lefthander too good on Singapore’s slow indoor hardcourts. Kerber, electing to receive first, broke Halep’s opening service game and despite later dropping her serve and falling 4-3 behind, the German reeled off the last three games in a row to take the opening set after just 43 minutes. Kerber was even more dominant in the second set as Halep, one of the best returners in the game, struggled to impose her own game on the in-form German, who reached the top of the world rankings when she won the US Open last month. Two service breaks gave Kerber the advantage she needed and although Halep saved the first two break points she faced with two spectacular winners, it was too little late as Kerber wrapped up the win. “I had the opportunity to get that first set. I was coming back very well. But, maybe I didn't finish the important points,” Halep said. “But she played a great tennis. She's very strong and on her legs she's moving great. She deserved to win.” Despite winning her first two matches, Kerber still has a mathematical chance of missing out on the semi-finals of the elite $7 million tournament after Keys beat Cibulkova 6-1 6-4 in Tuesday’s other Red Group match. Kerber plays Keys in their final group match on Thursday while Halep faces Cibulkova. (AFP)

WTA finals: Kerber crushes Halep, Keys downs Cibulkova

World number five Simona Halep booked her spot in the season-ending WTA final after she reached the semi-finals of the Wuhan Open by beating big-hitting Madison Keys on Thursday.

The Romanian beat Keys 6-4 6-2 to book her spot in the season finale in Singapore, which will see the top eight players in the world slug it out to win what is popularly called the &quot;fifth grand slam&quot;.

&quot;It&#39;s amazing to be qualified again for Singapore three years in a row. It&#39;s a good thing. It gives me confidence,&quot; Halep told reporters after the quarter-final match.

&quot;I don&#39;t (have) big shots, but I have speed on the court... I like to take the ball fast. So when I do that, I think I can play at the highest level,&quot; she added.

So far, only world number one Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams have qualified for the highly lucrative tournament. The field remains wide open for the remaining five spots.

Halep, now has her sight set on the prize with Serena Williams having taken only one Grand Slam title this year.&nbsp;

&quot;Every Grand Slam was another winner, Kerber two times this year. I feel now (it) is more open. I feel that I have (a) bigger chance,&quot; said the Romanian, who ended last season as world number two but is yet to win a Slam.

Halep will meet two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in the semi-finals after she ended a strong run by Briton Johanna Konta in straight sets.

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Halep said she feels she has a shot at the top spot with world number one Serena Williams having a difficult season

World number five Simona Halep booked her spot in the season-ending WTA final after she reached the semi-finals of the Wuhan Open by beating big-hitting Madison Keys on Thursday. The Romanian beat Keys 6-4 6-2 to book her spot in the season finale in Singapore, which will see the top eight players in the world slug it out to win what is popularly called the "fifth grand slam". "It's amazing to be qualified again for Singapore three years in a row. It's a good thing. It gives me confidence," Halep told reporters after the quarter-final match. "I don't (have) big shots, but I have speed on the court... I like to take the ball fast. So when I do that, I think I can play at the highest level," she added. So far, only world number one Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams have qualified for the highly lucrative tournament. The field remains wide open for the remaining five spots. Halep, now has her sight set on the prize with Serena Williams having taken only one Grand Slam title this year. "Every Grand Slam was another winner, Kerber two times this year. I feel now (it) is more open. I feel that I have (a) bigger chance," said the Romanian, who ended last season as world number two but is yet to win a Slam. Halep will meet two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in the semi-finals after she ended a strong run by Briton Johanna Konta in straight sets. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Tennis: World number five Halep books place in WTA Finals

Britain&#39;s Johanna Konta captured her first WTA title in style on Sunday, beating former world number one Venus Williams 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 at the WTA hardcourt tournament in Stanford, California. 
 
Konta, ranked 18th in the world and seeded third, appeared on her way to an emphatic victory in her first career final after racing to a 4-1 lead with two breaks of serve in the second set. 
 
But Williams, seeking her 50th career title, won six of the next seven games to knot the match at a set apiece. 
 
The 25-year-old Konta, who fired 12 aces to three from Williams, didn&#39;t let the seven-time Grand Slam champion&#39;s resurgence rattle her. 
 
&quot;Quite honestly you&#39;d expect nothing less of a champion that she is,&quot; Konta said. &quot;That&#39;s what great champions do. They raise their level. They definitely don&#39;t give away a match.&quot; 
 
Refreshed after a brief bathroom break, she broke Williams in the third game of the final set, and took a 3-1 lead with her 10th ace of the match. 
 
She broke Williams again to serve for the match at 5-2, and despite a couple of nervy missteps in the final game sealed the victory on her third match point. 
 
&quot;It was quite an incredibly humbling experience,&quot; said Konta, the first Briton to win the tournament since Sue Barker in 1977. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s a great validation of the hard work you do put in, and it&#39;s a great motivator on the things you want to keep getting better at, the length you want to go to become that much more better at your discipline. &quot; 
 
Konta had launched her career-best season with a win over Williams in the first round of the Australian Open, where she went on to reach the semi-finals. 
 
Britain&#39;s top player has since gone from strength to strength, making the second week of both Indian Wells and Miami, and reaching the semi-finals at Eastbourne. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s daily work,&quot; Konta said of her rise. &quot;It&#39;s daily desire to keep getting better.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Johanna Konta, who ranked 18th in the world is the first Briton to win the tournament since Sue Barker in 1977

Britain's Johanna Konta captured her first WTA title in style on Sunday, beating former world number one Venus Williams 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 at the WTA hardcourt tournament in Stanford, California. Konta, ranked 18th in the world and seeded third, appeared on her way to an emphatic victory in her first career final after racing to a 4-1 lead with two breaks of serve in the second set. But Williams, seeking her 50th career title, won six of the next seven games to knot the match at a set apiece. The 25-year-old Konta, who fired 12 aces to three from Williams, didn't let the seven-time Grand Slam champion's resurgence rattle her. "Quite honestly you'd expect nothing less of a champion that she is," Konta said. "That's what great champions do. They raise their level. They definitely don't give away a match." Refreshed after a brief bathroom break, she broke Williams in the third game of the final set, and took a 3-1 lead with her 10th ace of the match. She broke Williams again to serve for the match at 5-2, and despite a couple of nervy missteps in the final game sealed the victory on her third match point. "It was quite an incredibly humbling experience," said Konta, the first Briton to win the tournament since Sue Barker in 1977. "It's a great validation of the hard work you do put in, and it's a great motivator on the things you want to keep getting better at, the length you want to go to become that much more better at your discipline. " Konta had launched her career-best season with a win over Williams in the first round of the Australian Open, where she went on to reach the semi-finals. Britain's top player has since gone from strength to strength, making the second week of both Indian Wells and Miami, and reaching the semi-finals at Eastbourne. "It's daily work," Konta said of her rise. "It's daily desire to keep getting better." (AFP)

Konta topples Venus for first WTA title

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