The WTA Finals in Singapore seems to have handed a new pair of wings to Caroline Wozniacki. The former world No. 1 from Denmark returned to Singapore after a three-year break and she did that in style. Earlier today she killed Simona Halep off at the end of another stunning display of flawless tennis. The numbers remain the same as in the previous round with Wozniacki losing only two games. Moreover, she stunned Halep with a bagel too, just enough to give more similarities between this match and that against Elina Svitolina. It's what Wozniacki usually does, especially when she takes on top 10 players she upgrades her tennis in a spectacular way.
Simona Halep has no solution to neutralize Wozniacki
Entering the match, Wozniacki was leading by 3-2 in head to head stats having won their previous two meetings two. Although Halep had the better numbers on hard court shared history, that didn't help her either as the Dane raced to an early lead. Usually, is Halep who owns the baseline area but Wozniacki was determined to apply pressure right from the beginning. It seemed that Halep was in a hurry to try finding an early solution during the exchanges. Eventually, that rush translated into a flurry of unforced errors while Wozniacki kept controlling the match from the baseline. The opening set saw an express-like Wozniacki sealing the deal by 6-0.
Darren Cahill came up with a theoretical solution trying to convince Halep to use the top spin more often rather than hitting a flat ball. Moreover, he suggested an extra point of pressure on Wozniacki's forehand side. Hale didn't want to listen and the match went completely off the rail. A solid first serve kept Wozniacki way ahead with zero chances for Halep to recover.
The nightmare of previous two editions
Back in 2015 and 2016, Simona Halep had a launched start too. Some straight sets wins that seemed to clear her way for the next round. Each time she went on losing the next two matches of the Round Robin stage. After today, another disastrous campaign in Singapore is in the making. She will face Elina Svitolina next and she must win that match, preferably in straight sets.
The race for the world No. 1 seat isn't over yet and Karolina Pliskova seems likely to regain her seat. The Czech is already into the semis and she looks in fine shape in Singapore. The other two contenders, namely Garbine Muguruza and Elina Svitolina they both seem to have lost their mojo.