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Anett Kontaveit Indian Wells 2021
Tennis News, WTA Tennis Players

Anett Kontaveit wins title in Cluj to snatch last WTA Finals spot


Anett Kontaveit secured the final spot at WTA Finals after defeating Simona Halep in the final of the Transylvanian Open.

The Estonian stormed to a 6-2, 6-3 win in just 70 minutes to claim her fourth title in 2021 and improve her recent record to 26-2.

Halep had won their three previous meetings, but the home favourite was broken three times in the opening set as Kontaveit seized control. The Romanian improved in the second set, but a clinical Kontavet secured a comfortable victory to book her place in the WTA Finals.

The 25-year-old will join Aryna Sabalenka, Barbora Krejcikova, Karolina Pliskova, Maria Sakkari, Iga Swiatek, Garbine Muguruza and Paula Badosa in Mexico.

“I’m kind of speechless. This week was incredible for me. Of course I’d like to congratulate Simona—you’re such a huge role model, I’ve looked up to you for so many years, and you’ve beaten me so many times. It was an honor to share a court with you.” Kontaveit said.

Halep was quick to congratulate Kontaveit, before insisting she had an amazing week after a tough year with injuries.

“Anett, you crushed me. But I had an amazing week,” Halep said. “It was a tough year. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to play so well this week, but playing at home is always better. I’m sad that I couldn’t win, but Anett was too good today.

“Next year I will be here again.”

Kontaveit has tussled with Ons Jabeur over recent weeks for the remaining WTA Finals position, the 25-year-old jokingly apologised to Jabeur for securing the final spot.

“I’m so sorry, Ons, that I had to do this to you,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to next year—hopefully we can both make it!”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.