LINZ: Two-time Grand Slam title winner Simona Halep withdrew from her WTA Linz semifinal with a knee injury on Thursday while Danielle Collins retired after one set of her last-four clash.
As a result, Alison Riske of the US will face Romanian lucky loser Jacqueline Cristian, ranked 100, in Friday’s final.
Second seed Halep suffered a left knee injury in her quarterfinal victory on Wednesday over Jasmine Paolini.
“Unfortunately I am not able to play in my semifinal this evening after injuring my knee in my match yesterday,” Halep said in a statement.
“I would do anything to be able to play, but it is swollen and painful and playing will only make it worse.”
In the other semifinal, Collins dropped the first set to American compatriot Riske before retiring with an injured right shoulder.