Cibulkova in semis

SINGAPORE, October 27

The 28-year-old German won all three of her round robin matches and her straight-set triumph over Keys ensured Dominika Cibulkova would join her in the semifinals after the Slovak had earlier ground out a 6-3 7-6(5) victory over Simona Halep.

Kerber’s baseline hustling and resilient defence proved far too strong for an erratic Keys, who was broken six times in nine service games.

“It’s always tough to play against Madison so I was focused on playing my best and going for it when I had the chance,” Kerber said. 

After losing round robin matches to Kerber and Keys, Cibulkova needed a straight-set win to have any chance of advancing. She stayed alive with a determined display before the German world No. 1 completed a perfect day for Cibulkova.

The busy Cibulkova came out all guns blazing, looking far more composed than her opponent, harrying Halep on every point. Halep, whose left knee was heavily taped, was struggling to get a foothold in the contest. — Reuters