Sloane Stephens is more than a major measuring stick for Simona Halep.

The world No. 1 says her riveting clashes with the US Open champion make her a better player.

Halep: WTA Tries To Put Me Down

Watch: Halep Subdues Stephens For 18th Title

The top-seeded Halep hit an ace on her fourth championship point, staving off Stephens, 7-6 (8), 3-6, 6-4, to claim her 18th career title in Montreal.

The rousing Rogers Cup final was a rematch of the Roland Garros championship match when Halep rallied from a 6-3, 2-0 deficit to defeat Stephens, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, and claim her first Grand Slam title. 

After scoring her sixth straight win over Stephens today, Halep said the third-ranked American brings out her best. 

"Both matches were crazy good," Halep told the media in Montreal. "She makes me play better and better every time we meet each other. That's a great thing for me.

"I feel like she him proved in her mental also. She doesn't give up that much now. Of course, she's a strong player. I think she's a complex, if you say in English, complex player. She has everything."

Photo credit: Roland Garros Facebook