"I really wanted to play the final here" admits Simona Halep after reaching Transylvania Open final

Simona Halep lost only one game in the semifinal match against Marta Kostyuk and after the match, she admitted wanting to reach the final.

It's been a hell of a week for Simona Halep in Cluj-Napoca so far with the Romanian playing some of the best tennis she played all year. It's not a coincidence that it happened back home for Halep who has often fondly spoken about her native country choosing to live there as well which is something that most tennis players don't do.

After the match she admitted:

"I really wanted to play the final here. It's a home tournament and always when I come here, I feel great. I'm really happy, motivated and I'm looking forward to play the final tomorrow.

Speaking on her preparation ahead of the semifinal clash agains Kostyuk Halep said:

"I knew that I had to play a little bit faster, more aggressive, and to open the court a little bit more. There [at Indian Wells], she didn't miss very much as she did today, but I think I took the ball faster and quicker, and the serve helped me today."

Asked about her emotion after reaching the final Halep said she is just trying to have fun and enjoy it:

"I'm just trying to give my best, trying to be aggressive and enjoy. When I smile inside, it looks better outside. I have the whole country with me when I play at home, so that's why I'm motivated, that's why I feel safe and strong on the court, and I always want to play my best."

She finished off with:

"I won twice in Bucharest and, hopefully, tomorrow's the lucky three, but if not, it's still a good result and it's good to be home."