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Will Halep go full throttle today?

Being the only player to have secured a spot in the semi final, Halep can have a bit more relaxed approach in this match. She has to decide whether to chose her the semi-final opponent or to knock Williams out. For Ivanovic, on the other hand, this match is a no-brainer - she has to win in straight sets

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Halep went to Sofia last year to win the Master tournament in Sofia as the top players went to play Istanbul. But this season, she managed not only to secure a spot in the WTA Finals in Singapore, but she also already advanced to the next stage, no matter the outcome of this match. She is the only player here to have done done after only two very impressive wins.

- It was the greatest match in my life, I can't explain how I feel right now - Halep said after a great second round win over Serena Williams.

It was the worst defeat for Serena in 16 years (lost that convincingly only two more times). Nothing seemed to be working out for Serena in that match, she said her forehand's gone on an early vacation and that her serving was at junior division level. Halep did very well punishing her for that, with her toughness and aggression causing Serena numerous problems. 

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- It was always a dream of mine to beat one of the Williams sisters and now I've finally done and it feels amazing. But, I need to forget about that now and keep on playing. There will be enough time for partying later on - Halep said and added:

- I had enough experience to stay focused and relaxed. I didn't get scared after the first set and that was very important. Some of my shots were amazing, I played well and felt well.

Halep is the only player to have secured a spot in semifinals, having beaten Bouchard in straight sets yesterday. I Ivanovic wins in straight sets today, Serena will not advance to the next stage. If Halep loses by 6 or less games, Ivanovic would get through to the semi final with Halep claiming the top spot in the group. 

Ivanovic has done well as the she met Serena in the first round match. But, the final games of both sets were bad for Ivanovic, she was making too many mistakes and in the end allowed Serena to win in straight sets. She couldn't have afforded to lose to Bouchard and didn't. 

- I lost our two head-to-head matches but I really wanted to enjoy this one. I felt I had the upper hand and that the situation was different now, with this being her first ever Finals - Ivanovic said and added:

- I started doing maths at one point and then asked myself what exactly was I doing. Playing group stage is sometimes tough like that. Not knowing is maybe better.

Ivanovic was probably counting games she won and games she lost to see what kind of a result she would need in the Halep match. As already mentioned, she can't afford to not do her best today since she needs a straight sets win. 

- I want to step out on the court and fight for each and every point. It will be a tough match, Halep is doing extremely well. I don't want to think about it too much.

Halep and Ivanovic met four times so far, and should have played a head-to-head in Beijing, but Ivanovic advanced to semi finals as Halep withdrew with an injury. Halep can choose whether to send Serena home or to pick her semi final opponent. World No. 1 already said she's looking forward to her next head-to-head meeting with Halep, which could take place here if both advance to the finale. The question whether Halep will let Serena advance to semi finals will be answered today.