PARIS, June 7, 2018

Simona Halep has reached her third French Open final in four years. The World No. 1 from Romania knocked out 2016 Roland Garros champion Garbiñe Muguruza 6-1, 6-4 on Thursday afternoon.

Halep capitalized on six of her 10 break point chances to secure victory in one hour and 32 minutes.

“I’m really, really happy that I won this match,” said Halep, who lost to Maria Sharapova and Jelena Ostapenko in her previous two French Open finals. “It was really important for my mind to know I could win against a great opponent.

“It’s a pleasure to play here. I’m happy to play the final again at my favourite Grand Slam. I’ll try my best and hopefully do better than last year.”

Stephens wins all-US-American encounter

Halep will take on Sloane Stephens, who maintained her perfect record against fellow US-American Madison Keys with a 6-4, 6-4 win.

The reigning US Open champion broke her opponent’s serve three times and outpointed Keys 68-56 to prevail after one hour and 17 minutes.

“It’s always hard to play someone from your country and such a good friend, but I’m happy I played my tennis,” Stephens said.

“This is one of my favourite tournaments and I’m looking forward to Saturday. Merci Paris, je t’aime.”