Safarova secures final Singapore spot

 

Originally published on 21/10/15

Safarova, a runner-up at Roland Garros this year, was the last player to seal her place at the eight-player season finale after Carla Suarez Navarro’s defeat to Russian qualifier Daria Kasatkina in Moscow ended the Spaniard’s hopes of qualifying.

Suarez Navarro needed to reach the Kremlin Cup final to overtake Safarova for the final spot in the Road to Singapore leaderboard, but a 6-1 6-2 defeat to the world No.104 confirmed Safarova’s qualification.

"I am really excited to qualify for the WTA Finals for the first time," said Safarova, who will also compete in the doubles competition alongside Bethanie Mattek-Sands."It has been a dream year and to be one of the eight qualifiers in singles and also compete in the doubles is something that makes me very proud.

“There have already been so many highlights this year, and I hope to finish it playing some more great tennis in front of the amazing Singapore crowd."

Angelique Kerber and Flavia Pennetta also secured their places at the WTA Finals this week. It will be US Open champion Pennetta’s final tournament as a professional after announcing she would retire at the end of the season.

"Qualifying for the WTA Finals is a dream come true and the perfect way to end to an amazing season for me,” said Pennetta, who won the WTA Finals doubles title alongside Gisela Dulko in 2010. “It will also be a wonderful way for me to say goodbye to tennis – it's a spectacular stage to bow out on. Having won the WTA Finals before in doubles, I can't wait to make my debut in singles."

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