Halep: Big Chance To Regain No. 1

NEW YORK—Simona Halep survived the US Open first round for the first time in three years.Now, the Wimbledon champion sets her sights on a familiar finish.More: Kyrgios Calls ATP "Pretty Corrupt", Could Face SuspensionHalep, who beat Nicole Gibbs, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, in her US Open opener on Tuesday, is aiming to land the year-end top spot for the third straight season.The fourth-ranked Romanian currently trails world No. 1 Naomi Osaka by 1,863 ranking points with the top-seeded Japanese defending 2,000 points at this US Open.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Given the Romanian is defending just 21 ranking points the rest of the season, she sees a clear path to her third straight season as year-end world No. 1.“Well, if I'm healthy, I will go for it 100 percent,” Halep said. “I want to finish No. 1. I still have chances, so I'm going to work for them. I'm confident that I have actually a big chance. I will fight.”
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Chris Oddo is a freelance sportswriter, podcaster, blogger and social media marker who is a lead contributor to Tennisnow.com. He also writes for USOpen.org, Rolandgarros.com, BNPParibasOpen.com, TennisTV.com, WTAtennis.com and the official US Open program.