A Williams-Halep Rivalry is a Product of Hard Work

A Williams-Halep Rivalry will move up another notch in the U.S. Open

Serena Williams just won the Cincinnati Masters title by defeating Simona Halep 6-3, 7-6 (7-5). This victory secures Serena’s 69th singles title as well as puts her in favor with punters who are online betting on the upcoming U.S. Open. The 33-year old will be chasing history in her efforts to win a complete Grand Slam which consists of winning all four majors in a calendar year.

• Halep beat Williams in a round robin match 6-0, 6-2 at the WTA Finals
• Serena Williams has a record of 47-2 this season
• Halep record of 32 hardcourt wins is the highest in the WTA

Simona Halep played gallantly this season. The Romanian is the last player to hand Serena a straight set loss. Last year at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore, Halep beat Williams in a round robin match 6-0, 6-2. Malaysian online betting sites were completely caught “off guard” with that loss. Although they only met once this year, the 5-1 record Serena has over Halep may be the closest out of anyone in the WTA.

Williams-Halep rivalry is a reality

As normal, Halep was able to put a dent into the Wimbledon Champion by breaking her early in the first game. Despite the three break points made by the 18-year old, Williams had to fight from the beginning to win the first set. The two continued to break each other’s sets. In the end, Halep was impressed the Cincinnati crowd by fighting back from three match points in a tie break.

Unlike the rivalry with Maria Sharapova, the Williams-Halep rivalry was not created by media instigation. The Roger’s Cup finalist soared through the rankings and her match play with Serena has proven to be interesting. Since the two players have shown nothing but professional and personal respect for each other, fans and critics alike will have the opportunity to witness a rivalry truer to the purity of sport.

The World number one had kind words to say in regards to her opponent. “Thanks to Simona for playing such a great match.” Halep responded with suitable words. “It was amazing for me to play in the final. Congratulations to the champion.” The Romanian had words with her opponent at the trophy presentation after the match. The words “I know you can do four” demonstrated Halep’s support of Serena’s quest for the Grand Slam record.

Serena Williams, having won her 69th title and made U.S. gambling news, is now in the fifth position on the all time singles titles in the open era. Currently she is behind tennis legend Margaret Court, who had 92 titles. The world number one may not catch Steffi Graf’s record of 107 WTA titles, but will surpass the German in Grand Slam titles if she wins the U.S. Open. Serena, who’s won five titles this season, spoke positively about her readiness. “I’m ready. I don’t care if I win or lose or break even. I’m ready to start it, get it over with and be done and go on to the next event. But I’m so ready for New York.”

Halep is worthy of being included in a Williams-Halep rivalry

There are other commonalities that exist in the Williams-Halep rivalry. Both players were defeated in the Roger’s Cup tournament earlier in August. Belinda Bencic defeated Serena in the semi-final and overtook Halep in the final. The Romanian was suffering from cramps, heat exhaustion and a previous leg injury acquired earlier in the tournament. Unfortunately she was forced to withdraw from the match.

“I was thinking that I need a miracle to finish the match. I knew that I had no power, so I tried to finish the match, but at 3-0 I said there is no sense to continue and I stopped.” As a result of her injuries, Halep recently withdrew from the Connecticut Open in New Haven. “I’m very sorry that I have to withdraw from New Haven. I love the tournament and obviously have great memories there having won the title before. I have had a tough few weeks that have left me with pain in my left leg and unfortunately I can’t force myself to play to close to the U.S. Open.”

The move by Halep was a wise one and should prove to be helpful in her future performance at the U.S. Open. Whether she wins the title or not, the new world number two does has expectations from more than online sportsbooks in the U.S.. The Romanian has more titles and match wins on hardcourts than any other player this season. Her 32 hardcourt wins makes her a favorite to face Serena in the U.S. Open.

As a result of her Cincinnati finals loss to Williams, Simona has taken Sharapova’s WTA position at world number two. Halep’s new ranking will relinquish her from facing Williams until the final match. A possible Halep-Sharapova or Williams-Sharapova match will get its fair share of media attention. Even if the young Romanian comes up short in the U.S. Open, she most likely has a great future in the sport.