Simona Halep progressed to the final of the Rogers Cup by recording a straight sets victory over Sara Errani in Toronto, the final score reading 6-4 6-4.
The Romanian, ranked third in the world, will face upcoming teenager Belinda Bencic for the title this year, the Swiss youngster having beaten world number one Serena Williams in their semi-final clash, coming from a set down to do so.
Halep edges Errani out in thriller
Despite it being just a two set match, Halep and Errani were on court for a whole 97 minutes before a winner emerged in a tight and enthralling encounter in Toronto.
With endless rallies and moments of sheer brilliance, it was a joy to watch, with the Italian racing into a 2-0 lead immediately out of the blocks. However, she was unable to consolidate this break as Halep got the match back on serve with her first chance.
The world number three settled at this point and was able to earn herself a lead in the match as she broke again, with and with her serving so impeccably, winning 75 per cent of points on her first serve in the first set, Errani was unable to challenge her again as Halep closed the set out at 6-4 after 43 minutes.
The momentum swung back and forth throughout set number two, but Halep was able to break three times to Errani's two to make her way to victory, despite the Italian fighting back late in the set to make it 4-4 when Halep looked set to serve it out in a matter of moments.
The Romanian eventually sealed the win at 6-4 6-4, taking her into the final where she will face Bencic.
Halep delighted with victory
Speaking after the match, via WTA Tennis, Halep expressed her exhaustion after an incredible match, saying that she was "completely dead now," especially following two three set matches in the previous two rounds, against Agnieszka Radwanska and Angelique Kerber.
The world number three said that "it was a very tough match" as her opponent "played amazing;" "running everywhere" and "putting so many balls back in the court." Yet, despite it being "very difficult for [her] to finish the points," Halep explained that she "did everything [she] could to finish the match in two sets" as she "didn't know how [she] would do in the third."
However, the world number three said she is "very happy" to have "[made] it through this match" to "play the [final]," whilst she also thanked the travelling Romanians who have come out to support her in Toronto this week, saying that "it's really nice to play with such a big crowd of Romanians everywhere," before thanking them for coming, as well as the Canadians as all the fans have been "amazing" and have made it "really nice to play" in the tournament.
Halep's match finished before the clash of Bencic and Williams, and thus she was unaware of her opponent after winning, so when asked who she would like to play, she replied that "of course [she] want[ed] to see Serena."
She said that "every time [she] face[s] her it's a big challenge," which she relishes, and, since she has "nothing to lose," she "want[ed] to play her." However, Halep will not get her way and instead plays Bencic in tonight's final.