Wozniacki crushes Halep
Caroline Wozniacki stunned world No.1 Simona Halep 6-0, 6-2 to record her second round robin win at the 2017 WTA Finals and move to the summit of the Red Group.
The Dane continued the red-hot form she showed in her opening encounter against Elina Svitolina - where she also dropped just two games - producing a high-class defensive display that stopped Halep in her tracks.
Wozniacki never really allowed Halep a route into the match, converting five of her eight break point opportunities and only facing one on her own serve.
By her own admission, Halep was below par, hitting 17 errors in all. "I think it was one of my bad days. I made too many mistakes and she didn't miss," said the world No.1.
"I did some good shots, good points, and I missed too many to win a match."
This was Wozniacki's third win this year against a world No.1, having also beaten Garbine Muguruza and Karolina Pliskova in Tokyo and Toronto respectively.
"I don't think it's ever easy when you play a world No.1," Wozniacki said post-match.
"I thought I played really well out there. I felt comfortable and played aggressive when I needed to and ran the balls down when I needed to. I was happy with that."
Garcia battles past Svitolina
Caroline Garcia prevailed 6-7(7), 6-3, 7-5 after a two hour and 45 minute battle against Elina Svitolina to keep her hopes of a semi-final berth alive in Singapore.
The Frenchwoman's aggressive play led her to a 4-2 lead in the opening set, but Svitolina battled back to force a tie-break, where she once again staged a recovery, taking it 9-7 having initially trailed 4-0.
When Svitolina broke for a 2-1 lead in the second set, it seemed as if Garcia's challenge was fading, but she promptly stepped up her level and reeled off four games in a row before serving it out to force a decider.
The momentum continued to seesaw between the two players in the third set, with Svitolina twice pegged back while leading by a break, most crucially when serving for the match at 5-3. But Garcia stayed true to her attacking game, and once again embarked on a four-game run to claim victory.
"A few weeks ago I was not very expecting to be here, so the preparation was a little bit complicated,” Garcia said.
“On court I was obviously feeling nervous, but I'm very happy that I kept working out yesterday, get myself prepared better. Today was such a battle, so I'm very happy to be through with a win."
With Wednesday's results, Wozniacki has qualified for the semi-finals - although her final position is yet to be decided - while the other three players all remain in with a chance of qualification.
