Halep plays for No. 1 in Cincy final with Muguruza

CINCINNATI: Second-ranked Simona Halep will have her third chance of the season to claim the world number one spot after beating Sloane Stephens 6-2, 6-1 Saturday to reach the WTA and ATP Cincinnati Masters finals.

The 25-year-old Romanian will try to become only the 24th different woman atop the rankings by winning Sunday´s final against Wimbledon winner Garbine Muguruza, who ousted top-ranked Czech defending champion Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-2 in the other semi-final.

"I just want to go tomorrow and play my game. If it´s going to happen, great, but if not I will have more opportunities. Hopefully I can do it. I have the desire."

Halep, who hasn´t dropped a set all week, has already lost twice this year playing for the top ranking, falling in the French Open final against Jelena Ostapenko and the Wimbledon quarterfinal against Johanna Konta, each time after taking the first set.

"Maybe tomorrow is my turn," Halep said.

"I have to give my best and fight and if I win it´s going to be really special. It´s a great opportunity. But for sure it´s going to be a tough match against a Grand Slam champion.

"It´s a big challenge. It´s a big match."

Serena Williams had been number one before her pregnancy break earlier this year. Germany´s Angelique Kerber and Pliskova have held the spot since.

Sixth-ranked Spaniard Muguruza seeks her fifth career title at the last major US Open tuneup, flipping the script on Pliskova in a rematch of their 2016 semi to reach her first final in any US event.

"I´m just happy to be in the final," said Muguruza. "I was hoping to get it and my concentration was really good. Very happy with this win."