Halep clinches WTA Year-End World No.1 spot

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, USA - Simona Halep has earned the 2018 WTA Year-End World No.1 Singles Ranking presented by Dubai Duty Free.

The Romanian has clinched the year-end No.1 ranking for the second straight year, becoming the 13th WTA player since the inception of computer rankings in 1975 to do so when she first achieved the accolade in 2017.

READ: Halep 'enjoying the moment' on top of the world

“Our congratulations once again go to Simona Halep, whose incredible displays on the tennis court this season have earned her the WTA Year-End World No.1 Singles Ranking for the second consecutive year,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Dubai Duty Free. “Winning her debut Grand Slam title at Roland Garros was just one of many fine achievements in 2018 for Simona, and we look forward to welcoming her back to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships next year in February.”

Halep became the 25th player to reach WTA World No.1 ranking on October 9, 2017 and spent 40 weeks in the top spot across 2018. She will have amassed a total of 53 weeks as the World No.1 when the 2018 season ends, which is the fourth-most weeks among active players, and sits 10th for the most weeks at No.1 on the all-time list.

“Finishing the season as the WTA World No.1 last year was a huge honor for me,” said Halep. "To do it for a second time in 2018 feels like a special achievement, especially having also won my first Grand Slam this year. To be able to see my name again alongside the other legends who have achieved the
year-end No.1 ranking makes me very proud.”

“Simona enjoyed another outstanding season and it is a privilege to be able to celebrate her earning the 2018 WTA Year-End World No.1 Singles Player presented by Dubai Duty Free for the second consecutive year,” said WTA CEO and Chairman Steve Simon. “Winning a Grand Slam title and reaching six finals overall this season is a remarkable achievement, while off the court Simona
embodies all the values that are befitting of the WTA Tour’s No.1 player.”

Halep has enjoyed another stand-out season, highlighted by winning three titles from a tour-leading six final appearances, amassing a 46-11 win-loss record. 

This year Halep has won the Shenzhen Open, Rogers Cup presented by Bank National (Montréal) and her debut Grand Slam crown at Roland Garros. In addition, she reached the title match at the Australian Open, Internazionali BNL d'Italia (Rome) and the Western & Southern Open (Cincinnati).
Halep also reached the semifinals at the Qatar Total Open (Doha) and the BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells), and the quarterfinal stage at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix (Stuttgart) and the Mutua Madrid Open.

Her performances this season ensured qualification for the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global for the fifth consecutive year. Halep is the only player who will have appeared in Singapore for all five stagings of the prestigious season-ending event, where she will be presented with the WTA Year-End World No.1 trophy.