Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova virtually pulled off the impossible today when she not only needed to beat Simona Halep, but had to do so in straight sets, if she wanted to stay in the running for a semi-final spot in the WTA Finals in Singapore

Cibulkova, who can be regarded as the “unlucky loser” during her first round match against Angelique Kerber on Sunday, pulled out all the stops today in her 1 hour 48 minute 6-3 7-6(5) win over the third seeded Romanian.

Unlike Madison Keys who managed to suppress the Cibulkova forehand on Tuesday, Halep was unable to take control. Halep who had strapping on her left knee, found herself playing from the baseline for most of the match, failing to get Cibulkova moving more.

An elated Cibulkova stated in her post-match press conference that she had great rhythm the whole day, starting with the warm-up and then going into the match.

The win doesn’t mean that Cibulkova automatically qualifies for the semi-finals. Angelique Kerber, who is due to play Madison Keys today, will need to win in straight sets for Cibulkova to qualify.

Image courtesy of the WTA