Caroline Wozniacki and Simona Halep will fight in a blockbuster semifinal in Dubai.
Wozniacki
Caro had to edge a tough Flavia Pennetta in the quarters. The match last 10 games (5-all), then the Dane won the set conceding just 1 point in the last 2 games to win the second with an emphatic 6-0. Match Stats
“I felt like we had some long rallies out there. The world no.5 commented “I think there was one point that took forever. I was like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ How am I supposed to play a full match like this?’
“But it was fun. I always enjoy playing her because we have a lot of long rallies and you feel like you have to get out every shot. Every shot you’ve learned, you need to pick it up and enjoy it.”
Halep
Simona went through a battle against her Australian Open conqueror Ekaterina Makarova to win 6-3 1-6 7-5. Match Stats
Simona commented “There were ups and downs tonight. It wasn’t easy to be in control the whole match because she’s a good player. I played really well in the first set, but then in the second set she started to hit stronger, and I think I was one step further behind the baseline, which wasn’t good for me. But I just tried to relax and go forward in the court more and take the ball faster, and I’m really happy it ended up being a good match for me. It means a lot, because I need more matches now.”
The semifinal
Wozniacki played Halep 2 times. head to head is 1-all.
Caroline said “Simona is obviously a good player. She takes the ball early, she likes to play with angles – it’s going to be a little bit similar to today. But I haven’t played her for a long time, so I don’t remember exactly how she plays. I’ve seen her on TV obviously. I’ll need to ask my dad for a few tips.”
In the other semifinal Karolina Pliskova will take on Garbine Muguruza. (head to head 1-0 for the Spaniard)
WOZNIACKI LOOKS STRONG |