Ahead of the US Open, Serena Williams held off a fierce challenge from Simona Halep to win her fifth WTA title of the year in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Williams came from behind at 1-3 to take the first set and then survived a marathon 67-minute second set to prevail, 6-3, 7-6(5).
It was her 69th WTA title of her career and the victory is expected to serve like an elixir as she guns for her 22nd major at the US Open..
The No.3-seeded Halep was on her game, her 18 winners outweighing 14 unforced errors, but the No.1-seeded Williams finished with an incredible +17 winners-to-unforced errors differential, 44 to 27.
Halep didn’t leave empty-handed – by reaching the final, she’ll now return to World No.2 on the new WTA Rankings, which determine the US Open seeds – meaning she can’t play Williams until the final.
And she had some words of encouragement as the World No.1 embarks on her historic quest.
“I have to say congratulations to the champion, Serena, and I wish you good luck at the US Open ,” the always-classy Romanian said. “I know that you can win all four – so good luck, and be strong.”
Williams was just as complimentary in her speech. “Thank you Simona for playing such a good match today, and always being such an incredible opponent and incredible sportswoman,” she said. “I’m always honored to play against you and always have such a wonderful match whenever we play.
Williams now has a WTA-leading five titles on the season, having already won the Australian Open, Miami, the French Open and Wimbledon.
In career wins, she now trails Martina Navratilova (167), Chris Evert (154),Steffi Graf(107) and Margaret Court (92).
She’s also won 15 finals in a row now – her last loss in a final came right in Cincinnati two years ago to Victoria Azarenka, and by the slimmest of margins – a 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(6) final scoreline.
Reported by WTAtour.com