Halep claims Rome title

ROME: Top seed Simona Halep gave her French Open preparations a boost when she claimed the Italian Open here today after second seed Karolina Pliskova retired from the final with injury when she was down 0-6 1-2. Victory gave Halep her first title in Rome and her third consecutive title of the year after wins in Dubai — before the Covid-19 hiatus — and Prague last month. Pliskova attempted to continue playing after receiving treatment on her lower back and leg between sets but eventually decided to retire, not willing to take any chances before the French Open which begins on September 27. Reuters