Simona Halep Wins 2017 Mutua Madrid Open

Simona Halep (click to enlarge)

With Maria Sharapova early in her comeback, Petra Kvitova injured and Madison Keys having only a few matches under her belt since returning from injury, Simona Halep’s victory at the 2017 Mutua Madrid Open is the first title from one of my Mount Rushmore favorites this season. Better late than never. It was a thrill watching Halepeno emerge triumphant after a three set battle with Kristina Mladenovic, 7-5 6-7 (5) 6-2. Kiki is having arguably the most consistently impressive year of anybody on tour. It took every bit of brilliance from Simona to overcome the rising French star. The win gives Halep her second straight Madrid title. She beat Dominika Cibulkova in last year’s final. It was also her third Madrid final. Simona was runner up to Sharapova in 2014. Halep earns her 15th WTA singles title and also guarantees she wins at least one WTA singles event for the fifth straight year.