Halep, Svitolina claim last two Toronto semi-final berths

Simona Halep continued her quest to defend her title at the WTA Toronto tournament with a straight sets win, while Elina Svitolina needed three sets to book the last semi-final spot yesterday.Halep defeated Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia 6-4, 6-2 while fifth seeded Svitolina rallied from a first set loss to beat reigning Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.The pair took to the court early yesterday morning after Friday’s rain delays forced the quarter-finals to stretch into a second day. They now face the daunting task of having to play their semi-final later in the day. “Yesterday was really tough, waiting like six or seven hours here on site so I was a little bit tired,” Halep said. “But I came here today and I got ready before this match and I’m really proud that I could play so well.“Caroline is not an easy opponent, so I tried everything I could to win today because I really wanted to play semi-finals again today here in Canada.”Halep needed 70 minutes to advance as she didn’t drop a serve and broke Garcia three times.Halep said she is confident her legs will hold up when she faces Svitolina later in the day for a spot in the final.“It’s not going to be easy, at this level, to play two matches in the same day. But I think I’m ready, I feel strong enough in my legs. It’s not going to be easy; I’ll be playing against a very good opponent. I just want to give my best, enjoy the match, and try to fight,” Halep said.The other semi-final sees Danish sixth seed Caroline Wozniacki take on Sloane Stephens of the United States.