CINCINNATI, Aug 20: Simona Halep has her third chance of the season to claim the world number one ranking after beating Sloane Stephens 6-2, 6-1 to reach the WTA and ATP Cincinnati Masters finals.
The second-ranked Romanian tries to become the 24th different woman atop the list by winning Sunday�s final against Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, who ousted top-ranked Czech defending champion Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-2.
�If it�s going to happen, great, but if not I will have more opportunities. Hopefully I can do it. I have the desire,� Halep said yesterday. �I am so close. I really want that.�
Australia�s 23rd-ranked Nick Kyrgios and Bulgaria�s 11th-ranked Grigor Dimitrov advanced to the men�s final, where Sunday�s winner will claim his first ATP Masters crown.
Dimitrov dispatched 19th-ranked American John Isner 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (12/10) while Kyrgios eliminated Spain�s David Ferrer 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4).
Dimitrov won his only meeting with Kyrgios in the second round at Indian Wells in 2015.
Halep, who hasn�t dropped a set all week, has already lost twice this year playing for the top ranking, falling in the French Open final against Jelena Ostapenko and the Wimbledon quarterfinal against Johanna Konta, each time after taking the first set.
�Maybe tomorrow is my turn,� Halep said.
�I have to give my best and fight and if I win it�s going to be really special. It�s a great opportunity. But for sure it�s going to be a tough match against a Grand Slam champion.� � AFP
