By Erik Gudris | Sunday, July 13, 2014

 

Romania's Simona Halep won her second title of 2014, this time on home soil at the Bucharest Open.

Photo Credit: AP

With family, friends, and a packed Romanian crowd supporting her, top seed Simona Halep completed a successful homecoming at this week's inaugural Bucharest Open.

Halep earned her second title this season with a straight sets win over Italy's Roberta Vinci in Sunday's final.

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Halep took charge early by claiming an early break lead in the opening set. Though Vinci would hold a break point at 1-4, an errant forehand from the Italian cost her that opportunity.

Soon, Halep wrapped up the set 6-1.

Vinci responded in the second set by going for broke on her forehand returns. Though again missing out on several break points, Vinci finally converted with a fine drop shot. Vinci held for 2-0, but her advantage was short-lived.

Strong serving from Halep including several aces put her right back into the set. A forehand error from Vinci soon had Halep back on level terms at 2-all.

Another forehand error from Vinci gave Halep the lead for 4-2. With local fans holding up signs reading "Hai Simona" in support of their player, Halep eventually held her first match point.

Vinci hit a backhand volley winner in response. With some serve and volley play, the Italian kept herself alive in the match for 5-3.

Halep wouldn't take long to reach match point again. A final forehand winner from her racquet sealed the 6-1, 6-3 victory giving her an eighth career title.

Bucharest is now the second title of the year for Halep who earlier won in Doha. The result continues Halep's stellar 2014 season that also includes reaching her first Grand Slam final at Roland Garros.

Halep accepted the trophy during a ceremony that featured Romanian superstars Nadia Comaneci and Ilie Nastase in attendance.