Simona Halep into China Open final; becomes new World No 1

Simona Halep was presented with floral bouquet in the shape of the number one following her World No 1 ranking ascent. (Source: AP)

Simona Halep has become the fifth World No 1 player on the women’s tour after she progressed into the final of the China Open in Beijing. The Romanian beat French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4 to make her way into the final where she will face the winner of Petra Kvitova and Caroline Garcia. Halep, thus, replaces Garbine Muguruza at the top of the rankings which will be updated on Monday. Other World No 1 players this year have been Serena Williams, Angelique Kerber and Karolina Pliskova.

Halep has come close twice to sealing the World No 1 ranking this year but stumbled both times – at the French Open and then at Wimbledon. At Roland Garros, she lost to Ostapenko in the final to be denied the opportunity to climb atop. At the All England Club, Halep lost to Johanna Konta in the quarterfinal.

“It’s very emotional – I think the first time I have cried on court… but it’s my special day!” – @Simona_Halep pic.twitter.com/Cne19M4cx9

— WTA (@WTA) 7 October 2017

Halep was always in control against the world number eight Ostapenko and put herself on the path to victory when she broke the Latvian in the first game of the first set.

In Beijing this week, she along with Elina Svitolina were in contention to replace US Open champion Muguruza at the top of the rankings. The scenarios stated a final for Halep would make her the new World No 1 should Svitolina not reach the decider. But the Ukranian lost in the quarterfinal to Garcia on Friday.