Kerber crushes Halep, Keys takes fast win over Cibulkova

World number one Angelique Kerber of Germany crushed Romanian Simona Halep 6-4, 6-2 to move to 2-0 in the Red Group, while American Madison Keys took a fast win against Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova, as the round-robin stage of the WTA Finals continued here on Tuesday.

Kerber produced a polished display at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Tuesday night. The German just squeezed the court and played her perfect brand of tennis to minimize her own errors. In contrast, Halep, who defeated Keys in her first match, was off-balance throughout the match.

"I'm feeling very, very good here and it's just great to win my second match here playing my best tennis," Kerber said on court after the match. "I'm trying to enjoy all my matches here and I hope the spectators can enjoy it as well," the German added.

Halep looked slightly frustrated at the press conference. "I think I had the opportunity to get that first set. I was coming back very well. But, you know, I didn't finish the important points and I missed a lot today," she said.

Meanwhile, the Romanian also called it a "deserved" win for Kerber. "She played a great tennis. She's very strong and on her legs she's moving great. Yeah, she deserve to win. I take it and I'm looking forward to continue this tournament," said Halep.

In the second Red Group encounter, Keys defeated No.7 seed Cibulkova 6-1, 6-4 for a 1-1 sheet, as the victory marked the first win for Keys, who made her debut in WTA Finals here in Singapore.

"That was a little bit better than the first round. Definitely really happy with how I kind of turned things around. You know, just went out and played my game. I think I did a lot of things a lot better," Keys told the press.

Cibulkova for her part said she was frustrated with her performance. "Today (I) was a little bit frustrat(ed) on the court because I was feeling good after the match against Kerber. Today I just couldn't play my tennis. Couldn't get in the rhythm," the Slovakian said.

Asked how she feels at the WTA Finals, also her first appearance, Cibulkova said that the feeling is hard to describe and "really different."

She stressed it's very new experience for her. "I'm happy to be here and to see and to live it, but I'm hoping to win a match. I will do everything to win a match this year," said Cibulkova.

As for qualification scenarios in the Red Group, Kerber is the only one in full control of her fate on Thursday. If she beats Keys, she'll qualify for the semifinals. On the same day, Halep will face Cibulkova. Endit