Simona Halep triumphed over No.19 seed Elena Rybakina to reach the second week of the US Open

No.12 seed Simona Halep triumphed in a 7-6(11), 4-6, 6-3 third-round thriller over No.19 seed Elena Rybakina to reach the second week of the US Open for the fourth time.

Halep came from 0-3 and 3-5 down and saved four set points in the opener, finally converting her own seventh after an epic tiebreak – the longest of her career. She overturned a 0-3 double break deficit in the second set and came within five points of victory when she held two points to lead 5-4, before Rybakina forced a decider. There, Halep recovered from an early break to dominate the closing stages of the match.

It was a tough battle on court,

said Halep.

Actually, I knew that she’s gonna put pressure on me, and she’s gonna hit strong. So I kind of expected it.

I’m really happy that I could stay stronger mentally in the third set than the second one. It was a great victory and great day for me, for my confidence, and also for my game.

It’s nice to be back in the second week of the US Open after five years, because I said three years on court and my brother wrote me that it’s five years, not three years. I correct it now (smiling).

 

Photo: @glanzpiece / @usopen