Simona Halep beats Karolina Pliskova to win Dubai WTA title

Simona Halep fought off a strong challenge from Karolina Pliskova to claim the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title on Saturday, winning 6-4 7-6(4).

The match was a tense battle from beginning to end, with just one break of serve deciding the opening set. Pliskova had the first opportunity to break, for 3-1, but instead it was Halep who broke at love for a 4-3 lead.

It was Pliskova who also had the first chance of the second set, breaking to lead 2-0, but Halep immediately broke back and Pliskova then left the court for medical attention to a sore hip.

There were a flurry of breaks as the match moved to a dramatic conclusion, with Halep holding a match point after breaking to lead 5-4, Pliskova levelling at 5-5, Halep breaking again to lead 6-5 but then double-faulting on her second match-point to take the set to a tiebreak.

“I’m very happy now, and I cannot explain words how I feel,” said Halep.

“It’s just an amazing title for me. It’s very important for my career. I’m really happy, and I just want to enjoy this moment.”

Meanwhile, the doubles title went to Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic, who defeated Garbine Muguruza and Carla Suarez Navarro 6-3 6-2. It was their fourth final together, and their first title.