Simona Halepwhom Jessica Pegula called “pasbolas” on Saturday during their semifinal match at Canadaimposed his consistency this Sunday to frustrate the dream of Beatriz Haddad Maia, the first Brazilian finalist in a WTA 1,000, and become champion of the tournament for the third time, first in Toronto. The Romanian, who also triumphed in 2016 and 2018 (in Montreal), won 6-3, 2-6 and 6-3 at 2h16 of a more dramatic game than the score reflects and that was experienced with great intensity by both players and by the fans.
Halep saved the furniture with a 6-0 run in the first set, after starting it 3-0 down, let the second slip away after another bad start and dominated the third. Was his 18th final in the category, a record figure with which he ties with the former disciple of his coach, Patrick Moratoglouthe great Serena Williams.
Haddad Maia has the consolation of having made an impressive tournament, in which she beat the number one in the world, Iga Swiatek (the first from her country to beat a ranking leader), and Leilah Fernández, Martina Trevisan, Karolina Pliskova and Belinda Bencic. Almost nothing. And to put Brazil on the tennis map again, orphan of idols, practically since the time of Guga Kuerten. In addition, he enters the top-20 for the first time at 26 years old. “My mentality has changed. I work in the proper way, because now I focus on the process”, explained Beatriz.
Halep, at 30 years old, reigns again in a year that is getting better and better for her. Accumulate 38 victories, the second best mark on the circuit after Swiatek (48) and return to the top-10, will be sixth on Monday. “I have fought hard to win here, in front of the Romanian fans in the stands. Two months ago I didn’t think I could win this trophy, thank you Patrick for believing in me.”said Simona, who has 24 in her career, the fourth most active behind Serena (73), her sister Venus Williams (49) and Petra Kvitova (29).
