Muguruza wins Cincinnati title in style
Originally published on 20/08/17 00:00
The attack-minded Spaniard was relentless from the outset as she cruised to a 5th career title after just 56 minutes of play. It was a chastening defeat for the Romanian, and she has missed another opportunity to seize top spot for the first time.
Halep sits just five points behind the current No.1, Karolina Pliskova, and it’s the smallest margin between the top two players in the rankings since 2009.
“I just want to congratulate Simona, she played a great tournament,” said the new champion. “I want to also thank my team for supporting me, they are always behind me.”
“I played so bad today, and Muguruza played so well,” admitted Halep as she accepted her runner-up trophy. “She played a really good tournament so congratulations. I’m sorry for this match, but I will come back next year and hope to do better.”
Muguruza, who saved three match-points in her energy-sapping success over Madison Keys at the last sixteen stage, was bordering on unplayable for much of the swift contest and she will be the player to beat at the US Open.
The 23-year-old is brimming with confidence, and she looks ready to contend for more silverware in the city that never sleeps.
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