Canadian Open 2022: Simona Halep to face Beatriz Haddad Maia in final

TORONTO: Romania's former world No. 1 Simona Halep, a two-time major champion, beat the challenge from No.7 Jessica Pegula of the US to advance to her fourth National Bank Open final and biggest since 2020.

With her impressive run in the WTA 1000 tournament, the 30-year-old Halep, who will take on Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil in the final here, will return to Top-10 in the world when the latest ranking are released on Monday.

Two-time champion Halep entered the final of the tournament defeating Pegula 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Toronto is Halep's first final since winning the Melbourne 250 in January and the biggest final for the former No.1 since winning Rome in 2020.

Currently ranked No.15, Halep saw her 373-week reign in the Top-10 end nearly a year ago when she dropped out on August 9, 2021. She can rise as high as No.6 if she wins the title on Sunday, according to wtatennis.com.

Into her 18th WTA 1000 final, Halep is bidding to win her ninth WTA 1000 title and 24th career title.

Meanwhile, Haddad Maia topped last year's finalist and No.14 seed Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 7-6(7) in just over two hours, to reach the final. Haddad Maia's result this week is projected to put her into the Top 16 of the WTA singles rankings for the first time on Monday. Agencies

Also Read: Simona Halep topples Coco Gauff, Maia extends run

Also Watch: Droupadi Murmu Takes Oath As 15th President of India