Back in the winners’ circle, Simo wins her first WTA 1000 tournament since Rome 2020

Simona Halep prevailed over Beatriz Haddad Maia to win her third National Bank Open title and the 24th of her career.

Former World No.1 Simona Halep stamped her return to the Top 10, as the Romanian won the title Sunday at the National Bank Open for the third time in her career.

The 2016 and 2018 champion Halep ended the run of first-time WTA 1000 finalist Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil in the championship match, prevailing 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 after 2 hours and 16 minutes to capture her 24th career Hologic WTA Tour singles title.

It’s never easy to play against [Haddad Maia],

Halep said in her post-match press conference.

She beat me a few weeks ago. … I knew that it was going to be a good challenge and a good fight. So it’s been a battle today, and I’m really happy that I could actually be stronger in the important moments.

With her latest victory in Canada, Halep has won a single event three times for the first time in her career. However, this is Halep’s first triumph in Toronto — her previous National Bank Open titles came at the Montreal site.

It makes it even more special because I really wanted to win it in Toronto as well. Here there are many Romanians and they always come to support me. So I’m really happy that I could also win here.

I feel like it’s a big deal to be back in the Top 10,

Halep said.

When I started the year I was not very confident and I set the goal to be, at the end of the year, Top 10. And here I am. So it’s a very special moment. I will enjoy it. I will give myself credit. I’m just dreaming for more.

Halep has put together a stellar 2022 season. She has won 38 matches, second only to World No.1 Iga Swiatek’s 49 for the year. This is Halep’s second title of the season, following a trophy at Melbourne Summer Set 1 in January.

This victory today means a lot to me. I am mentally totally back at it since April this year.

After reaching the semifinals of Wimbledon, winning here is another big step – National Bank Open – WTA Women’s Tennis. A special thanks to the Romanians here in Toronto who have made me feel totally at home! The atmosphere on the court was incredible thanks to you. I am thankful tonight.

Few months ago I could not think that I would be able to lift this trophy again, Patrick Mouratoglou thank you for being by my side and making me a better player. This happened because you trusted that I’m still able to do good things on the tennis court.

And finally, thank you to my team for everyday work Arnaud Restifo and Candice.

For the full article please go to wtatennis.com