Simona Halep beats Sloane Stephens to win Rogers Cup in Montreal
Romanian world number one Simona Halep beat American Sloane Stephens in three sets to win the Rogers Cup in Montreal.
Halep, who beat Stephens in the French Open final in June, eventually came out on top 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 6-2.
Halep took a dramatic first set in a tie-break after three breaks of service apiece, but lost the second before recovering in the decider.
Meanwhile, unseeded Stefanos Tsitsipas, on his 20th birthday, is playing Rafael Nadal in the men's final in Toronto.
Simona Halep of Romania reacts after defeating Sloane Stephens of the United States to win the final of the Rogers Cup tennis tournament Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018 in Montreal. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP) (Associated Press)
Halep, who also won the Rogers Cup in 2016, emerged victorious after a marathon encounter lasting two hours and 41 minutes in sweltering conditions.
Both players were regularly doubled up, struggling for breath, amid some punishing rallies in the gruelling heat.
"I just didn't give up during the tournament, I fought until the end," said Halep.
