Simona Halep into QFs in Rome as Keys retires

WTA No 1 Simona Halep has moved into the quarterfinals of the BNL Internazionali d’Italia after WTA No 13 Madison Keys retired before her third round match.

“I am really sorry I have to withdraw from this year’s Internazionali BNL d’Italia,” the American player said said in a statement, quoted by wtatennis.com. “I felt my rib in my match yesterday and after trying to warm up this morning it will still painful. I look forward to returning to this great event next year and seeing all my fans in Rome.”

The Romanian player, a finalist in Rome in 2017, will retain her No 1 ranking. She needed to both reach the quarterfinals in Rome and progress further than World No.2 Caroline Wozniacki to keep her place at the summit, and has accomplished the former task.