By Erik Gudris | Thursday, June 5, 2014

 

Romania's Simona Halep continued her impressive year by reaching her first ever Grand Slam final at the French Open.

Photo Credit: Peter Staples

Simona Halep of Romania continued her impressive run at this year's French Open with yet another straight sets win. Next stop, her first major final.

Halep, who has yet to drop a set all tournament, entered her first French Open semifinal on Thursday facing an opponent making the same big step at a major.

No. 28 seed Andrea Petkovic of Germany, who blasted out former finalist Sara Errani, was hoping to repeat a similar performance versus Halep. A year ago, Petkovic considered retiring after being plagued by multiple injuries that halted her career. Now into the first major semi of her career, Petkovic aimed to keep her momentum going. At stake for both women was a place in their maiden Grand Slam final.

Though known for her precision ball striking, the fourth seeded Halep poured on the power when needed. Halep, striking 12 winners compared to just three total from Petkovic, did not face a break point during the opening set. With that, the Romanian clinched it 6-2.

Petkovic settled down in the second set and finally began to impose her game featuring a mix of defense backed up by timely offense. Taking hold of an early break, Petkovic would soon serve for a possible 4-1 lead. Petkovic faltered though with untimely errors allowing Halep to break back.

Recovering with better hitting, Petkovic would go up 5-4. Yet Halep didn't waver and eventually a tiebreak was needed. Who would embrace the opportunity better was soon revealed as Petkovic started playing tense tennis.

Going behind 1-4, Petkovic made up ground by relying on big hitting to narrow the gap. Yet Petkovic would later float a makeable slice backhand well long showing again the moment was getting to her. That included Petkovic complaining to the umpire about people in the stands talking behind her.

Halep kept her own cool down the stretch and that proved the difference. With Halep up 5-4, Petkovic would send a forehand wide in the next rally. That error granted Halep two match points.

Connecting on a big serve, Halep would finish off the point and the match with a forceful forehand winner. With that, Halep celebrated the 6-2, 7-6(4) victory.

"It was just two or three times where I made the wrong decision. Against a player like Simona, top five player, the set is kind of gone already," Petkovic said about her effort. "And my serve was terrible today. I just couldn't find the rhythm on my serve. I think that all sums it up, more or less."

Halep is now the first Romanian woman to reach a Grand Slam final since Virginia Ruzici. Halep will also rise to No. 3 in the world next week.

"It's amazing to play the final here in Paris. It was very tough match. Emotional, also. I was very nervous," Halep said. "But, yeah, I was a little bit stronger I think in the end, in the tiebreak, and I could win the match in two sets. I feel amazing, and it's incredible feeling to can play a final at Grand Slam."

Waiting for Halep in Saturday's final will be No. 7 seed Maria Sharapova. The 2012 champion earlier defeated Canada's Eugenie Bouchard 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Halep said she will find extra motivation against Halep who defeated her in Madrid final a few weeks ago.

"Now, I have to be aggressive again, to play fast, like my style, and to stay there with the nerves. It will be a tough moment for me. I know. I'm sure that will be. But I have to be happy and just to enjoy."