Reuters
New York, Sept 10: Second seed Simona Halep, cheered on by Romanian gymnastics great Nadia Comaneci, fought off a determined challenge from former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka to reach the semifinals of the US Open Wednesday.
The 23-year-old Halep, of Romania, chasing her first grand slam singles title, came out strong against the Belarussian after an 85-minute, third-set rain delay to secure a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory and a last-four clash against Italy’s Flavia Pennetta.
“It was a tough match. I’m really happy that I could win, I don’t know where it comes, the power to win this match,” said the diminutive, but hard-hitting Halep.
Halep was run ragged in the second set by Azarenka who sent her scurrying from corner to corner as she fought back to level the quarter-final at one set apiece.
A light rain forced them off the court in the fourth game of the third set but when they returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium, a revived Halep took command.
After an opening set dominated by Halep, two-times Australian Open winner Azarenka, who has slipped to 20th in the world rankings after battling injuries the last two seasons, battled back.
Emotions ran high with both players shrieking in frustration after mistakes and roaring in self-encouragement after an important point.
After the break, Halep served an ace on the first point back on court to level the third set at 2-2, before breaking in the seventh game for the margin she needed to reach the semifinal.
Pennetta, 33, ousted twice Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, the fifth-seeded Czech, in three sets to advance.
“I’m really happy,” Pennetta said. “It’s something incredible. Before the tournament I never think to be so far in the tournament, so it’s something special. It’s something amazing for me in this moment.”
Results
Simona Halep bt Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 4-6, 6-4
Flavia Pennetta bt Petra Kvitova 4-6, 6-4, 6-2
