Simona Halep through to Italian Open semifinals

Romania’s Simona Halep, ranked 2nd in the world, was the first to qualify to the semifinals of the Italian Open in the women’s singles competition after eliminating her compatriot Alexandra Dulgheru on Friday from the quarterfinals.

Halep defeated Dulgheru, the No. 72 in the world, in a 61, 60 win, carried out in just 56 minutes.

Halep will play in the semifinals against the winner of the quarterfinals match between the Czech Petra Kvitova, ranked 4th in the world, and Spanish player Carla Suarez, ranked 10th in the world.