Halep fired up for Singapore semi-finals

SimonaHalep

The Romanian tasted defeat for the first time in the tournament when she was beaten 7-6 3-6 6-3 by Ana Ivanovic in the closing Red Group match in Singapore.

However, previous victories over Serena Williams and Eugenie Bouchard ensured Halep still finished top of her pool, setting up a last-four meeting with Radwanska.

"It will be a tough match," said Halep. "I know her very well because we've played twice this year. It's 1-1, so we'll see what happens in the decider.

"She runs a lot on court and I'll have to run as well. I have to be aggressive, very aggressive, because she's an intelligent player. She knows how to open the angles, but I will try everything.

"I believe in my chances. It's my dream to be here, so I have to do everything to win and reach the final."

Ivanovic needed a straight-sets victory over Halep to progress and rallied from 5-2 down in the first to keep her hopes alive.

However, some erratic serving proved her undoing in the second and, although she rallied to win the match, it will be Williams who plays Caroline Wozniacki in the semi-finals.

"It's mixed emotions, obviously, because I feel like it was such a great match, yet it's such a low not to be able to qualify for the semi-finals," Ivanovic said.

"Still, on a positive note, I won two matches and finished the season with a victory - it's been an amazing year for me."

Author(s)