Peter Bodo has been covering tennis for over 35 years, mostly recently for ESPN. He is a former WTA Writer of the Year and the author of numerous books, including the classic “The Courts of Babylon” and the New York Times bestseller (with Pete Sampras), “A Champion’s Mind.”
It was yet another brutally splendid rally with Simona Halep clinging to her slim advantage over reigning US Open champion Sloane Stephens at the start of the third set in Sunday’s Roger Cup final. But the exchange ended abruptly when Halep, a few feet behind the baseline, threw in an unexpected drop shot — one that seemed more prayer than tactical ploy.
The shot took Stephens by surprise. As it fell untouched to give Halep a 2-0 lead in the set, she bowed deeply from the waist, looking like she might become sick, sucking precious air in the Canadian heat. It was vintage Halep, who stands just 5-foot-6 but plays the type of tennis you see from a more towering figure.
Halep, ranked No. 1, went on to defeat Stephens after 2 hours and 41 minutes of high drama, 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-4. This was another example of the high-drama matches that have already secured Halep a firm place in tennis lore and legend. This year alone, Halep has played four unforgettable matches: a semi and final at the Australian Open, the French Open final and this latest win in Montreal — the latter two wins over emerging rival Stephens.